engineer 1 of 2

engineer

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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
Interestingly enough, it was invented by a group of anglers and engineers who wanted to make their own custom fishing lures at home. New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025 Whereas 60 engineers might have run a data center in the past, now only six are needed, McLean says. Elissa Welle, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
This one is made from a mix of solid and engineered wood for extra durability, and the slats and center legs keep your mattress in place. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025 Right now, Indian diplomats and lobbyists in Washington are working feverishly to engineer a rapprochement. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for engineer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engineer
Noun
  • This story has been updated to include that the lead architect for the VOUS church renovation project is WHAA.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
  • New York — At the heart of the case against the man accused of the Gilgo Beach killings is DNA evidence — but the novel way that evidence was tested may now determine whether prosecutors can use it against their prime suspect, Long Island architect and family man Rex Heuermann.
    Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many of the examples are stark, like the Potawatomi Nation which had negotiated with the federal government in hopes of staying in their homelands in the upper Midwest.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Neighbors Settling down in the suburbs with their newborn, Kelly (Rose Byrne) and Mac (Seth Rogen) attempt to negotiate a quiet-hours pact with the frat house next door.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Park’s ability to manipulate his imagery is something else entirely.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2025
  • While there are no laws or regulations that prohibit using AI to create or manipulate images, there can be blowback and downsides.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Latest section, on the other hand, arranges posts and reels in chronological order, with the most recent ones appearing first.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Around the country, arranging for housing is a relatively new and growing challenge for such PACE groups, which are funded through Medicaid and Medicare.
    Felice J. Freyer, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engineer. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on engineer

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