Synonyms of navigate

navigate

verb

ˈna-və-ˌgāt 

1

as in to steer

to operate or control the course of

the hours of training that are required before a student pilot is allowed to navigate an airplane solo

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steer
• pilot
• helm
• hijack
• conn
• commandeer

2

as in to sail

to travel on water in a vessel

the months that were once required to navigate around South America in the days before the Panama Canal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sail
• boat
• voyage
• ship (out)
• ferry
• cruise
• take ship
• make sail
• yacht
• coast
• kayak
• canoe

3

as in to traverse

to make one's way through, across, or over

it will take some effort to navigate that stretch of hills, but we can do it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traverse
• cross
• follow
• walk
• travel
• track
• cover
• pass (over)
• course
• transit
• cut (across)
• go
• proceed (along)
• ride
• hike
• perambulate
• peregrinate
• tread
• traipse
• run
• tramp
• crisscross

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of navigate

After navigating a long-distance relationship for nearly three years, Bergersen proposed to Taylor in May 2026. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Adult Bobby navigates his relationship with Connie and lands a spot on a reality cooking show, while Hank and Peggy continue to grapple with life as empty nesters … and maybe adopt a new dog. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 July 2026

In summer 2020, Carr, his brother, and his sister-in-law were navigating end-of-life care for his mother. — Rainesford Stauffer, Time, 24 July 2026

Leaving her home in Los Angeles to go to college in New York City, being the first in her family to go to college, and not knowing much about how to navigate it all was a lot for Ariela Canizal. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026