What does "lead by example" mean?

To show the way or demonstrate a technique to individuals or a group by going ahead or doing something before the others.

Lead by example

Q: What is a synonym for "lead by example"?

Common synonyms include: classroom modeling, demonstrate, developmental model, example leadership, exemplary conduct, exemplify.

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Verb

1
To show the way or demonstrate a technique to individuals or a group by going ahead or doing something before the others.
"Ferry said he tries to “lead by example” and advises customers to treat the bones “with the utmost respect,” but JonsBones does not have control over what people do with the bones once they leave the showroom in New York."

Synonyms

All synonyms

classroom modeling demonstrate developmental model example leadership exemplary conduct exemplify

Antonyms

All antonyms

authoritarian leadership bad conduct coercive leadership command by decree

Example

More examples

"Ferry said he tries to “lead by example” and advises customers to treat the bones “with the utmost respect,” but JonsBones does not have control over what people do with the bones once they leave the showroom in New York."

Next best steps

Browse writing guides Explore topic clusters