led
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for led, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Guided, directed, or under someone else's control.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “led” mean?
The word “led” means guided, directed, or under someone else's control. In plain terms, being directed or run by someone else, rather than acting independently.
How do you pronounce “led”?
“Led” is pronounced LEHD (/ˈlɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “led” in a sentence?
Here is “led” used in a sentence: “It was a well-led team that never lost focus.”
What part of speech is “led”?
“Led” is an adjective.
Is “led” a common word?
“Led” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'led' and 'lead'?
'Led' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'lead,' as in 'yesterday she led the team.' The confusion arises because the present tense 'lead' (to guide) and the metal 'lead' are spelled alike, and the metal is pronounced 'led.' If you mean the past tense, it is always 'led.'
Is it 'led' or 'lead' for the past tense?
It's 'led.' Many writers mistakenly put 'lead' because the metal 'lead' rhymes with the correct past-tense form. But the verb follows the pattern lead–led–led, so 'He lead the way' should read 'He led the way.' Reserve 'lead' for the present tense and for the metal.
How do you use 'led' in a sentence?
'Led' describes something guided, directed, or controlled in the past. For example: 'She led the expedition across the mountains,' or 'The tour was led by a local guide.' As an adjective it appears in compounds like 'investor-led' or 'a nurse-led clinic,' meaning headed or driven by that person or group.