The phrase "leading on" can have negative connotations, implying that someone is deceitful or manipulative. Some synonyms for this phrase that convey a more positive or benign meaning include "guiding," "encouraging," "helping along," or "supporting." In some contexts, "leading on" might be replaced with "educating," "informing," or "mentoring." Alternatively, if one wants to emphasize the negative implications of "leading on," one might use words like "lying," "deceiving," "stringing along," "tricking," or "enticing." Understanding the nuances of language can help convey the intended meaning with greater precision and accuracy, making communication more effective.