noun
1.
one that takes the lead or initiative
each group selected its own leader for the tour
Synonyms: ||bell cow, bellwether, dean, doyen, guide, lead, pilot
Related Word: pacemaker, pacesetter; forerunner, harbinger, herald, precursor; conductor, director, rector
Contrasted words: adherent, dependent, hanger-on, henchman, satellite
Antonyms: follower
2.
a person in whom resides authority or ruling power
the company had only one leader
Synonyms: boss, chief, chieftain, cock, dominator, head, headman, hierarch, honcho, master
Related Word: captain, commander, general; director, principal, superintendent, superior; foreman, manager, straw boss
Contrasted words: inferior, subaltern, subordinate, underling, understrapper
3.
Synonyms: notable 1, big-timer, ||big wheel, bigwig, chief, dignitary, eminence, lion, luminary, notability