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 With that in mind, here are The Atlantic’s tips and tricks for steering clear of any illness during this year’s terrible quad-demic. —

Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025 But one of the pivotal accomplishments last year for SpaceX came on Oct. 13, when the rocket booster was able to steer autonomously back to the landing pad, where it was caught with two giant mechanical arms. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025 Still, some analysts perceive Thursday's protests as a sign that Venezuela's opposition still has a shot at steering the country towards democratic rule. —

Manuel Rueda, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025 Companies that prioritize transparent communication and respectful behavior may find that employees want to stay and grow their careers, which will reduce costly turnover and steer clear of disengagement. —

Sandy Harvey, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for steer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer

Verb

Leaders can guide their teams to focus on direct and meaningful connections with customers.

— Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Pure Amazon will travel its namesake region, with two cabins specifically for solo travelers, plus expert guides leading three- and four-night trips on rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

— Jennifer Billock, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025