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
His wife, a network engineer, has a pending EB-2 visa application and is listed with their children as dependents on his asylum application. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 The engineer discovered the masonry was oxidized and needed to be replaced, along with the porch, causing the cost of the repairs to go up $181,000. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
So the new movie makes up for the original’s offhand poetry with speed and engineered rambunctiousness. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 May 2025 While some have been released, hundreds remain incarcerated under conditions deliberately engineered to break their will. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for engineer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engineer
Noun
  • The 100-seat glass-and-wood chapel was built in 1951 and designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright Jr., son of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Designed by renowned architect Frank P. Milburn, the structure features octagonal towers, arched windows, spiral staircases, and bricks shipped by rail from Maysville, Kentucky.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • The deal was negotiated by VP of Sales and Acquisitions Alex Peters on behalf of Brainstorm and by Christian Sosa of Roosevelt Film Lab.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 6 June 2025
  • Here’s the thing, no employee should be left to negotiate basic dignity on their own.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Attackers can design prompts that insert malicious instructions through seemingly innocent prompts, manipulate the model to reset its understanding of its role or subtly influence the model's output by feeding misleading information or context.
    Etay Maor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • All platforms manipulate users to keep them scrolling.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engineer. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on engineer

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