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
Today, Mustapha dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer. Ogar Monday, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2025 The foundation has about 60 full-time employees, many of them technicians and engineers who help actors stay up to speed with tech innnovations. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 June 2025
Verb
Mattresses these days, the organic variety included, are engineered to have the support of a box spring already built into it by way of including coils. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 June 2025 Manager Dwight Yorke was on that breakout team at the dawn of the millennium, and he’s now tasked with engineering a huge upset over the host country. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for engineer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engineer
Noun
  • Invest in data scientists, quantum engineers, blockchain architects and AI-native skills.
    David Henkin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Under these pilot programs, licensed architects and engineers can self-certify that their projects meet the county building codes.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Authorities spent hours trying to negotiate a peaceful surrender, police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025
  • The Englishman is represented by his mother Marcia Lewis, who negotiated the deal with Arsenal.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Our Senate and representatives are all manipulating their own power rather than running the country.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 June 2025
  • But the lesson of the ’74 Act is clear: Absent congressional will, lawmakers inevitably will find ways to manipulate their own rules to make deficits even worse.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • Attentive staffers will be on hand for towel drops and spritz refills, as well as to help arrange water sports or beach games.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engineer. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on engineer

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