1
as in to steer
to operate or control the course of the hours of training that are required before a student pilot is allowed to navigate an airplane solo

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2
as in to sail
to travel on water in a vessel the months that were once required to navigate around South America in the days before the Panama Canal

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3
as in to traverse
to make one's way through, across, or over it will take some effort to navigate that stretch of hills, but we can do it

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Example 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 navigate The workout flurry comes while the Bears sit at one of their better starts (5-3) and navigate a crucial midseason stretch — one in which maintaining a steady run game will be important to protect QB Caleb Williams and an evolving offense. Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 But navigating Iguazú, which is split into two parks—Iguazú National Park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil—can be confusing. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 Krizma says helping her daughter navigate a health crisis has brought them closer together. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025 Perez can continue to have the lion’s share of the catching duties as Jensen navigates his first full season in the majors. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for navigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for navigate
Verb
  • The lack of vetoes signals Crowley's agreement that the board's changes strike the right note of protecting services for vulnerable residents while steering the county toward a more fiscally responsible future.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • As was the case a year ago, Fox heavied up on the Dallas Cowboys in the early half of the season, while steering clear of Jerry Jones’ mercurial bunch in the latter portion.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • My shot had the distance, but unfortunately sailed a good 20 feet over the crossbar.
    Evan Moore November 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • As the boat sails away, the Creature quietly stares into the sunrise with a smile on his face.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Lake-effect snow is anticipated as cold air traverses the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, with several inches of accumulation and hazardous travel possible, especially near Lakes Erie and Ontario.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In the wild, macaques can traverse miles of novel terrain each week and socialize through grooming, but in many laboratories they are isolated in barren cages no bigger than a washing machine.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Paul had been charged with three felony counts, including boating under the influence, and was awaiting trial when he was murdered.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Select runabouts and speedboats, between 24 and 42 feet, have emerged as boating’s latest crown jewels.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When people are crossing the river Evros, trying to reach Greece from Turkey, many of them are harassed by Greek or EU forces.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The 2025 New York City Marathon results are in, with winners from the men’s and women’s races crossing the finish line before noon.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • He was appointed interim commissioner in August following the retirement of former Commissioner Alan McClain.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025
  • In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger secured the governorship with a decisive lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, while Mikie Sherrill prevailed in New Jersey following a campaign centered on affordability and public safety.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • After a few minutes Matty walked in and sat across from me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Phillips croons about a mother’s bond with her child as Swinton walks off, her character freshly wrecked by a visit with her son in prison.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Navigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/navigate. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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