going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way; "we rode in the leading car"; "the leading edge of technology"
6
antecedent
preceding in time or order
4
foremost
preceding all others in spatial position; "the foremost compartment of the ship"
1
first
preceding all others in time or space or degree; "the first house on the right"; "the first day of spring"; "his first political race"; "her first baby"; "the first time"; "the first meetings of the new party"; "the first phase of his training"