LEADING MAN Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

leading man

noun

Definition of leading man

as in leading lady

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of leading man After two decades in Hollywood, Stan has become a leading man by physically transforming himself — and by searching for lower-budget, independent, and international films in which to do it. — Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 About a year later, in May 2026, the studio announced that the search for the next leading man had begun. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 Between the huge practical sets and stunts, the matte paintings and in-camera trickery, the on-location filming, and a leading man at the height of his movie star powers, Spielberg and his team performed the filmmaking equivalent of wizardry. — Frank Deruggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 Having found his leading man, director William Wyler set out to find the young princess. — Daria Egidi, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading man

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading man

leading lady

Noun

So take the chance to watch this fearlessly brutal movie, featuring a great performance from its leading lady and one of the bloodiest climaxes in horror history.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Yet, Misty’s fate aside, this is a star-making role for Eleazar, Rock fully believing in his leading lady.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of leading lady

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leading lady

leading man

leading men

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Style

“Leading man.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20man. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of leading man

noun

Example Sentences

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