HELM Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

helm 1 of 2

noun

ˈhelm

Definition of helm

as in head

the place of leadership or command She was at the helm when the company went through its most significant period of growth.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ranks

helm

2 of 2

verb

as in to steer

to operate or control the course of a treacherous route for any weekend sailor just learning to helm his vessel

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 helm

Noun

That goes double for a team entering another Cup-or-bust season under the helm of a controversial bench boss who hasn’t coached an NHL game in nearly seven years. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Weiss is currently on pace for 98 in his inaugural season at the Braves helm. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Verb

After the attack, the agency, helmed then by Robert Mueller, would begin to shift significant resources, agents and large amounts of focus to counterterrorism intelligence, investigations and cases. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026 Cretton, also known for helming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is next set to direct the live-action Naruto movie for Lionsgate. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for helm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helm

Noun

What may have surprised even modern sports fans, however, was Ole Miss' suing two of its former players who followed former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin to his new position as head football coach at LSU.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
The 12-miles a week average is double the pace that the agency's head, Rodney Scott, cited earlier this year.

— CBS News, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of head

Verb

The 44-year-old has steered them from relegation trouble to a second Champions League qualification in three seasons with an attractive style of play.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
As the parents and children approached the school, first grader Hayden Raupe steered his black, blue and green bike past a line of cars stretching around the corner.

— Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of steer

Noun

As a rising star in the party, a vice chair at the National Republican Senatorial Committee who’s known for her strong Democratic relationships, Britt is trying to help her party navigate the political challenge posed by data center growth.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Shortly after the trade deadline, Tigers closer Kenley Jansen leaned back in his chair and talked about reasons for hope.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of chair

Verb

The ex-Smiths vocalist helped pilot one of England’s premier bands before transitioning into a successful solo artist.

— Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Nineteen hijackers carried out the attacks, led by Mohamed Atta, who piloted American Airlines Flight 11 into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of pilot

Noun

For starters, a recording artist isn’t at the forefront of the pack.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
In a game that the New York Giants converted 9-of-11 third down attempts, ran for 165 yards and won the time of possession battle by over 13 minutes, the questions around the defense’s performance over the last two years are back at the forefront.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of forefront

Noun

But Siniaková, unlike many women at the top of the doubles leaderboard, is not strictly a doubles specialist.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
When the sequence was complete, the roof had disappeared into the rear of the car, turning this enormous Cadillac into an open-top grand tourer.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of top

Browse Nearby Words

hells

helm

helmed

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Style

“Helm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helm. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of helm

noun

verb

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