Take the lead WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh / February 23, 2026

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Crossword Answer

1 ? S

2 ? T

3 ? A

4 ? R

Hint

Interactive Solver for Take the lead Crossword Clue

Drag letters from the pool into “Your Answer”, then reorder them to match the solution.

Your Answer 4 Letter

Current guess: —

Letter Pool

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Unlock the puzzle's secrets with Daze's progressive hints!

Hint 1

hint

Reveal Hint

Shine brightly at center stage and guide the way.

Hint 2

meaning

Reveal Hint

A ???? is a prominent performer or the principal player in a theatrical or entertainment context.

Hint 3

explanation

Reveal Hint

The phrase 'take the lead' suggests someone who is in a prominent or leading position, much like a '????' who often plays the main role in a movie or show. This is a play on words, as a '????' can also mean a leading actor or celebrity.

Hint 4

another clue

Reveal Hint

Big name in lights, Play leading role, Famous actor, Symbol on some Sneetches' bellies, in a Dr. Seuss story, Reward on a good test paper

WSJ Crossword February 23 2026 Answers

Tap a cell to show its letter

1 ? O
2 ? N
3 ? C
4 ? E
5 ? R
6 ? A
7 ? S
8 ? T
9 ? A
10 ? S
11 ? H
12 ? O
13 ? E
14 ? R
? O
? M
? E
15 ? A
? L
? V
? I
? N
16 ? M
? I
? N
? T
17 ? B
? L
? O
? O
18 ? D
? H
? O
? U
? N
? D
19 ? O
? P
? T
? S
20 ? I
? O
? N
21 ? I
? M
? O
22 ? H
23 ? A
? R
? S
? H
24 ? T
? O
? I
25 ? L
? E
26 ? P
27 ? E
28 ? D
? O
? M
? E
? T
? E
29 ? R
30 ? K
? N
? O
? T
31 ? S
32 ? R
? O
? W
? S
33 ? E
? D
? U
34 ? F
? R
? E
35 ? S
? N
? O
36 ? P
? R
? O
? M
37 ? P
38 ? L
? A
? C
? E
? M
? E
? N
39 ? T
40 ? T
? E
? S
? T
41 ? F
? R
? E
? T
42 ? U
? S
? E
? R
? I
? D
43 ? W
? E
? T
44 ? N
45 ? A
? S
? T
46 ? Y
? E
? A
47 ? S
48 ? T
49 ? D
? O
? L
50 ? L
? Y
? S
? H
? O
51 ? T
52 ? B
? L
? U
? R
53 ? B
54 ? R
? O
? A
? C
? H
55 ? U
56 ? S
? A
57 ? C
? I
? A
58 ? I
? D
? O
? S
59 ? T
60 ? H
61 ? A
? T
? T
? R
62 ? A
? C
? K
? S
63 ? R
? E
? S
? T
64 ? O
? U
? T
? T
? A
65 ? P
? O
? E
? T
66 ? A
? R
? E
? S
67 ? N
? E
? V
? E
? R
68 ? E
? R
? S
? E

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Clue Analysis

The clue “Take the lead” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated February 23 2026, the definitive 4-letter answer is: STAR.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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Your Questions, Answered by Experts.

At Daze Puzzle, we understand that every clue is a puzzle within a larger puzzle. Our team of dedicated human experts and puzzle lovers solves these challenges daily to help you succeed. Below, we answer common questions about this specific clue.

A: The most common and recent 4-letter answer for "Take the lead" is STAR.

A: The phrase 'take the lead' suggests someone who is in a prominent or leading position, much like a 'star' who often plays the main role in a movie or show. This is a play on words, as a 'star' can also mean a leading actor or celebrity.

A: This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on February 23, 2026.

A: A star is a prominent performer or the principal player in a theatrical or entertainment context.

A: Big name in lights, Play leading role, Famous actor, Symbol on some Sneetches' bellies, in a Dr. Seuss story, Reward on a good test paper

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Take the lead WSJ Crossword Clue

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