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guide

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noun

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

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

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 guide
Verb
This season, however, started with one win from eight games and FC were languishing in the bottom four until Mark Beesley, formerly of Warrington Town, was appointed as manager and has guided them to safety. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 The 26-year-old quarterback helped guide his NFL team to victory in the 2025 Super Bowl back in February. Michael Nied, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
Consider this your one-stop guide for all things 2025 NFL Draft. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 That’s the best introduction, and step-by-step guide, to an almost overwhelming array of artwork by Asawa, who spent much of her adult life in San Francisco. Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide
Verb
  • His prominent role in Game 3 -- which was a big reason the Knicks' offensive rating jumped to 120.8 from 101.9 in Game 2 -- showed that coach Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks have learned their lesson about keeping Towns involved in the offense.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • An online database that tracks ship movements shows the Mohawk has been docked in its home port since mid-March.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some dogs may need to be supervised at all times when playing with some of their toys.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • After Shaver’s death in 1958, department store executives continued to steer the gala, but attendance and revenue waned.
    Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • O'Reilly says this pushing of the envelope is largely because Mon is so caught off guard by Krennic's presence.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 May 2025
  • With the game on the line, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson didn’t flinch.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • For all of the optimism generated this offseason, the team assembled by Schoen and coached by Brian Daboll went 3-14 last season.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • He was coached by his father, Leonard, in his early days as a football player, running the ball, filling in at quarterback if needed, and playing all over the field on defense.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Philly air traffic control center oversees the airspace in Newark.
    Alecia Reid, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • UConn Health also oversees the university’s medical and dental schools, plus its medical research.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The world’s best reeled off 17 points in a row against Gauff to lead 4-1 in the first set, but the second proved a classic battle of willpower with the American going 5-3 up before her opponent finally broke at the fifth time of asking.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • At the Indiana meeting, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity TV doctor whom Trump appointed to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was also present with Kennedy to put a MAHA stamp of approval on the governor's efforts.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • The All Stars 10 cast will also appear on companion episodes of Untucked, which returns to the streaming network alongside the new season.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Friends are stunned when unexpected companions join them on safari.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Guide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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