The term 'in the lead' can be expressed in several ways, as evidenced by the crossword solutions AHEAD (5 letters), AMEND (5 letters), FIRST (5 letters), ONTOP (5 letters), ATTHETOP (8 letters), OUTFRONT (8 letters), and STARRING (8 letters). AHEAD and OUTFRONT both suggest being in front of something or someone else, while FIRST and STARRING imply being the FIRST or most important. AMEND and ONTOP indicate being at the top or in a superior position, and ATTHETOP further emphasizes this idea. All of these words suggest being in a position of advantage or superiority.