as in tempts
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage
a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck
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Recent Examples of leads on
When Michael left the band in 1984, Jackie continued with The Jacksons, splitting leads on the group’s last album with Jermaine.
—
Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
The government argued the two anonymous plaintiffs had never been personally targeted and therefore had no basis to sue, noting that a state department review of 5,000 leads on campus protesters resulted in visa revocations in less than 1% of cases.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
While the bullpen has lost closer Robert Suarez, LHP Adrián Morejón and RHPs Mason Miller, Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada figure to have leads on lock after the fifth inning.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
China leads on clean energy technologies and its emissions are starting to fall.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Montgomery was among the players working on fundamentals such as secondary leads on the bases before taking a few cuts in the cages.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Authorities working on the case are currently examining Walmart sales records for possible leads on the culprit due to the backpack and clothing he was seen wearing on the doorbell camera of Nancy’s home.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Feb. 2026
Both the Tenerife and Manchester offices will operate under Head of Studio Helen Brown, who leads on production, recruitment and talent development.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Instead of the battlefield, the defenseman and Woodstock native leads on the ice as a fifth-year veteran for his team.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
The government argued the two anonymous plaintiffs had never been personally targeted and therefore had no basis to sue, noting that a state department review of 5,000 leads on campus protesters resulted in visa revocations in less than 1% of cases.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
While the bullpen has lost closer Robert Suarez, LHP Adrián Morejón and RHPs Mason Miller, Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada figure to have leads on lock after the fifth inning.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
China leads on clean energy technologies and its emissions are starting to fall.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Montgomery was among the players working on fundamentals such as secondary leads on the bases before taking a few cuts in the cages.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Authorities working on the case are currently examining Walmart sales records for possible leads on the culprit due to the backpack and clothing he was seen wearing on the doorbell camera of Nancy’s home.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Feb. 2026
Both the Tenerife and Manchester offices will operate under Head of Studio Helen Brown, who leads on production, recruitment and talent development.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Instead of the battlefield, the defenseman and Woodstock native leads on the ice as a fifth-year veteran for his team.
—Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads on
Verb
-
Their taste runs so deeply Hollywood, their references so opulent and cinematic, that even a drink tray—in its cream lacquer and chrome border—tempts a standing ovation.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
22 Apr. 2026
-
If a purchase tempts you, say your budget aloud, then choose the upgrade that truly supports daily life.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Newly opened Fowlescombe Farm, a 450-acre estate in south Devon, England, where Tamworth piglets and Manx Loaghtan sheep roam free and wildflowers are encouraged to be picked, lures guests with the promise of slow living.—
Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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At the same time, Katie gets abducted by a mysterious neighbor (Hayat Kamille), who lures her in with her favorite chocolates.—
Gregory Nussen,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
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The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Whale lusts after a hunky gardener (Brendan Fraser) and persuades him to pose for a few sketches; Julian, though bisexual, expresses no such interest in Lori, and any art-making turns out to be a gratifyingly mutual endeavor.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The confidence heuristic explains why certainty persuades us.—
Nick Dothée,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Borage An annual herb with bright bluish-purple flowers, borage entices important insects to the garden.—
Lauren David,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Loot boxes in the crosshairs James alleges Valve entices players to pay for a chance to win a rare virtual item, and that those rare items can be traded for real money in accordance with their rarity.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leads on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20on. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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