took the lead
- spearheadedLed an initiative
- frontrunnerLeading candidate or competitor
- aheadIn the lead
- surgedIncreased suddenly and forcefully
- chargeCost or accusation
pioneered · dominated · trailblazer · first · vanguard · commanded · helm · forefront · racing · breakaway · pacemaker · captain · initiative · seized · overtook · pulled ahead · outpaced · champion
positional rank
took the leadfell behind
dropped back · trailed · lagged behind · brought up the rear · fell back
initiative/agency
took the leadfollowed
Came behind another
deferred · hung back · took a back seat · stepped aside · stepped back