engineer 1 of 2

engineer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb engineer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of engineer are guide, lead, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," 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

When is it sensible to use guide instead of engineer?

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

guided the scouts through the cave

When is lead a more appropriate choice than engineer?

The words lead and engineer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

In what contexts can pilot take the place of engineer?

While in some cases nearly identical to engineer, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When can steer be used instead of engineer?

Although the words steer and engineer have much in common, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

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 engineer
Noun
Georgina Jedikovska Georgina Jedikovska, journalist, plant engineer, oenophile and foodie. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025 Beykpour's idea is to help software developers easily spot issues in their code, and show managers what their engineers are doing. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The 22-year-old QB led the Vikings back from a 17-6 deficit early in the third quarter after throwing a pick-6 to a three-point win, engineering back-to-back-to-back touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to turn what looked like a sure-fire loss into a thrilling come-from-behind win. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 De Meo has been tasked with engineering a speedy turnaround for Kering, which has been dragged down by steep declines at its star brand Gucci and a bulging debt load. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for engineer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engineer
Noun
  • Once rundown and divided into four apartments, this 4,000-square-foot live/work compound was transformed over 18 months by its architect owners, Colin Faber and Leni Niemegeers-Faber, into a family home that feels both modern and timeless.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The new eatery comes courtesy of the same creative team as the first, including Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio and architects Glen & Co.
    Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its Office for Civil Rights investigates allegations at schools and negotiates corrective actions.
    Fred Clasen-Kelly, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Looking forward, 185 countries are negotiating a global plastics treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution by 2040, and to promote a closed loop approach, phasing out unnecessary plastics and encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In this approach, quantum information is encoded in various properties of photons, and computation is performed by manipulating these photonic states using optical components.
    Gil Press, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Tahoe is obviously getting more aggressive with icon-shape enforcement, up to and including automatically manipulating them and sentencing them to icon jail.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That could delay clarity on how Sullivan will arrange his D pairs.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • That’s the 20th century approach, before everybody had a mobile app that can arrange rides, give instructions and track locations.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engineer. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on engineer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!