leading

nouns

thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
lead, leading
the activity of leading
"his leadership inspired the team"
leadership, leading

adjectives

indicating the most important performer or role
"the leading man"; "prima ballerina"; "prima donna"; "a star figure skater"; "the starring role"; "a stellar role"; "a stellar performance"
leading, prima, star, starring, stellar
greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement
"our greatest statesmen"; "the country's leading poet"; "a preeminent archeologist"
leading, preeminent
going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way
"we rode in the leading car"; "the leading edge of technology"
leading
antonym
following
is similar to
showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on
"felt his mother's directing arm around him"; "the directional role of science on industrial progress"
directing, directional, directive, guiding
is similar to
exerting control or influence
"a guiding principle"
guiding
having the leading position or higher score in a contest
"he is ahead by a pawn"; "the leading team in the pennant race"
ahead, in the lead, leading