STEER Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'steer' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of steer are engineer , guide , lead , and pilot . While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly. // steered the ship through a narrow channel

Q: When is 'engineer' a more appropriate choice than 'steer'?

Although the words engineer and steer have much in common, engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan. // engineered his son's election to the governorship

Q: In what contexts can 'guide' take the place of 'steer'?

While the synonyms guide and steer are close in meaning, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers. // guided the scouts through the cave

Q: Where would 'lead' be a reasonable alternative to 'steer'?

The synonyms lead and steer are sometimes interchangeable, but lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order. // led his team to victory

Q: When can 'pilot' be used instead of 'steer'?

The words pilot and steer can be used in similar contexts, but pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course. // piloted the bill through the Senate

steer

verb

Definition of steer next

as in to guide

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front the man in the train station was able to steer us in the right direction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pilot

to operate or control the course of first needed to learn how to steer her personal watercraft before going out on the crowded lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb steer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of steer are engineer, guide, lead, and pilot. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

When is engineer a more appropriate choice than steer?

Although the words engineer and steer have much in common, engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan.

engineered his son's election to the governorship

In what contexts can guide take the place of steer?

While the synonyms guide and steer are close in meaning, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

Where would lead be a reasonable alternative to steer?

The synonyms lead and steer are sometimes interchangeable, but lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When can pilot be used instead of steer?

The words pilot and steer can be used in similar contexts, but pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of steer Elon Musk’s car company has focused on using cameras and artificial intelligence to steer the vehicle, without heavy reliance on HD maps. —

Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 Concern over inflation and border issues has steered some on-the-fence voters to the right. —

Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Unfortunately, for this exact reason, the studios decided to steer clear of the second weekend of November, which means there’s nothing else to talk about. —

Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024 The approval is a relief for Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who assumed the role in August to steer the company through its safety and manufacturing crises. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer

Verb

Will our children get through college without AI to guide them?

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
During a meeting in early 2024, the foundation’s inner circle locked themselves in a room to come up with the guiding tenets for the group.

Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024