SPEARHEADED Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

spearheaded

verb

past tense of spearhead

as in led

to serve as leader of unofficially at least, Martin Luther King spearheaded the civil rights movement

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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 spearheaded Councilmember Soto-Martínez, who spearheaded the measure, called the bans ineffective in addressing homelessness. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The pilot was spearheaded by Saratoga Traffic Commissioner Dory Albert and approved by the traffic commission. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 Much as Japan spearheaded the revival of bourbon in the ‘80s, the early single malts found a receptive audience in the Italian market in the ‘60s and ’70s. — Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 During his time at Rolling Stone, Marsh spearheaded the first edition of the Rolling Stone Record Guide in 1979. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 The rally — spearheaded by Californians for Pesticide Reform, a coalition of more than 200 organizations in the state — was held shortly before a legislative hearing to evaluate the state’s pesticide program, including DPR’s work. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The new design thinking is spearheaded by design chief Yasutake Tsuchida, who came over to Honda a couple of years ago after a quarter-century stint at Mazda. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 In response to questions from ProPublica, administration officials insisted the effort spearheaded by HSI was producing meaningful results. — Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2026 Problems surged in 2020, after sweeping criminal justice reforms led by Capitol Hill’s Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen, who spearheaded softened penalties for crimes. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spearheaded

Verb

The recovery ended a search that began on July 31 after the expedition, led by renowned climber Nirmal Purja, was swept away by an avalanche on Broad Peak.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Chow, a trial lawyer by trade, led her own defense during the court case which – like all of Hong Kong’s national security cases – was heard by a panel of three judges selected to oversee such proceedings and not a jury.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of led

Verb

Capturing the Gold Coast League title, which has previously been commanded by Rio Hondo Prep and rival Brentwood School, is the first milestone that comes to mind.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White commanded the spotlight for more than two minutes before Tuesday night’s game.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of commanded

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spearhead

spearheaded

spearheading

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“Spearheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spearheaded. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spearheaded

verb

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