steer

1
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

2
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

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 steer Instead of navigating south on a journey toward the Suez Canal, the ship pushed north to steer a course through the frigid water of the Arctic Ocean using the Northern Sea Route. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 The large pumpkin shells are surprisingly seaworthy but difficult to steer. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025 In 2025, Young is steering ACE toward a phase of strategic growth while preserving the company’s boutique model and reputation for excellence. Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025 For years, the Rockies appeared steered by inertia. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer
Verb
  • An army of around 200 volunteers from the church and several charities were making food, picking up trash, guiding guests and MC'ing dance showcases, said Mary Cantrell, who has been a key organizer since 1993.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
  • So long as Gabriel can avoid critical mistakes and turnovers that marred Joe Flacco's four-game stint as Cleveland's starter, the rookie should have a chance to keep the Browns in this contest and guide them to a second win over NFC North competition.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Iamaleava piloted an offense that looked reborn, finding 42 reasons to believe again.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Educators who piloted the program praised the improved response times and stronger protections for students.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As digitization and agentic AI reshape work from customer service to customs, DHL is also upskilling people for digital roles and training supervisors to lead the transition.
    Samuel Burke, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Common Sense Media provides the following guidance for parents looking to navigate conversations around digital masculinity messaging.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • To navigate these headwinds, sponsors and corporates are employing more creative deal structures including joint ventures with buyout options and continuation vehicles amongst other methods, Mergermarket said.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The code directed the money to a digital wallet not owned by the man, but presumably owned by the scammer, the complaint states.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • In the leadup to the deadline to fund the government this week, the White House directed agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event that Congress couldn’t reach a deal, rather than furloughing those not deemed essential as in past shutdowns.
    Connor Greene, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Somewhere along the way, it was hijacked — people turned into export cargo.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • What about plain-Jane organic sheep who’ve been hijacked by a grapefruit-size eyeball with tentacles?
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Residents here have above average educational backgrounds and the higher incomes that accompany them.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Permits are invalid unless they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection from an accredited veterinarian indicating that the animal is free of disease.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Vince helms the new feature after creating the Air Bud franchise and producing all 14 titles in the flagship series and subsequent Air Buddies and Santa Paws spinoff series.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Gary Ross helmed a fourth movie, 2018's Ocean's 8, which starred Sandra Bullock, as the sister of Clooney's Danny, alongside Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway, and Awkwafina.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steer. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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