Synonyms of engineer

engineer 1 of 2

noun

ˌen-jə-ˈnir 

as in architect

a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking

the engineer of a movement to eradicate hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• architect
• mastermind
• leader
• designer
• maker
• organizer
• builder
• developer
• manager
• originator
• producer
• pioneer
• director
• commander
• inaugurator
• handler
• formulator
• quarterback
• generator
• initiator
• captain
• plotter
• planner
• arranger
• schemer
• inspirer
• contriver
• instituter
• institutor
• spawner
• maneuverer
• hatcher
• finagler
• machinator

engineer

2 of 2

verb

as in to negotiate

to plan out usually with subtle skill or care

the mayor engineered an agreement to have a major league team play in our city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• negotiate
• manipulate
• arrange
• plot
• manage
• maneuver
• mastermind
• contrive
• finesse
• frame
• conclude
• machinate
• wangle
• finagle
• concert
• scheme
• hammer out
• work out
• conduct
• compass
• concoct
• direct
• hatch
• handle
• brew
• connive
• intrigue
• cook (up)
• angle (for)
• captain
• command
• run
• quarterback
• gerrymander

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• butcher
• gum (up)
• blow
• fumble
• botch
• bungle
• mangle
• mess (up)
• mishandle
• flub
• louse up
• muff
• bobble

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

Recent Examples of engineer

Noun

The number of years before a migrant can apply for citizenship was doubled to 10, but people who contribute significantly to society, such as doctors, nurses and engineers, could be fast-tracked through the process. —Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 12 May 2025

Albini – the prolific musician and recording engineer – passed away unexpectedly in May 2024, leaving behind a lifetime of items collected in the course of his various interests. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 12 May 2025

Verb

The timing of the lie, and the inevitability that it would be exposed, strongly suggest her false accusation was planned to sabotage Paul’s other case on the eve of trial — deliberately engineered to inflict maximum damage and sway media and public opinion. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025

Each of these bacterial strains was then put in a solution with the chemical they were engineered to digest. —ArsTechnica, 7 May 2025