Synonyms of guide

guide 1 of 2

verb

1

as in to show

to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed

the pastry chef guided her through the creation of the wedding cake, showing her how to ice the layers, fashion the elaborate decorations, and assemble the whole shebang

Synonyms & Similar Words

• show
• accompany
• coach
• lead
• steer
• teach
• mentor
• inform
• counsel
• escort
• tutor
• pilot
• walk through
• train
• shepherd
• supervise
• engineer
• see
• instruct
• direct
• enlighten
• sway
• oversee
• brief
• attend
• drill
• superintend
• chaperone
• godfather
• convoy
• school
• inculcate
• nurture
• foster
• squire
• cultivate
• indoctrinate

2

as in to supervise

to look after and make decisions about

thought the new superintendent would guide the school system well

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supervise
• oversee
• manage
• operate
• control
• handle
• regulate
• conduct
• run
• govern
• direct
• keep
• tend
• protect
• administer
• carry on
• preside (over)
• steer
• watch over
• steward
• lead
• administrate
• watch
• superintend
• overlook
• safeguard
• pilot
• guard
• care (for)
• mind
• comanage
• codirect
• micromanage
• stage-manage

3

as in to steer

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front

would be happy to guide you folks to the historic part of town

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steer
• accompany
• lead
• show
• route
• conduct
• direct
• escort
• pilot
• usher
• precede
• marshal
• see
• manage
• attend
• control
• chaperone
• convoy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• trail
• dog
• tail
• shadow
• hound
• tailgate

guide

2 of 2

noun

ˈgīd 

as in guard

one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy

followed our guide through the dangerous mountain trails

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guard
• companion
• escort
• attendant
• leader
• pilot
• squire
• conductor
• sidekick
• chaperone
• convoy
• honor guard
• shadow
• courier
• outrider

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb guide contrast with its synonyms?

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

guided the scouts through the cave

Where would engineer be a reasonable alternative to guide?

The synonyms engineer and guide are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 lead instead of guide?

Although the words lead and guide have much in common, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is pilot a more appropriate choice than guide?

In some situations, the words pilot and guide are roughly equivalent. However, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When can steer be used instead of guide?

While in some cases nearly identical to guide, 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 guide

Verb

Mamdani, 34, is a charismatic socialist who has limited experience in the private sector and seems utterly unconcerned about his guiding philosophy’s long track record of creating misery. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Williams returned to his alma mater and guided UNC to three NCAA titles (2005, 2009, 2017) and concluded with a career record of 903-264. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025

Noun

Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025

Welcome to Climate Point, your weekly guide to stories about climate change, energy, the environment and science. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Phrases Containing guide

• guide word