Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

steer

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of steer

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

  • the man in the train station was able to steer us in the right direction
Synonyms of steer

conduct, direct, guide, lead, marshal (also marshall), pilot, route, show, usher
Words Related to steer

precede

accompany, attend, chaperone (or chaperon), convoy, escort, see

control, manage
Near Antonyms of steer

dog, hound, shadow, tail, tailgate
Antonyms of steer

follow, trail

2 to operate or control the course of

  • first needed to learn how to steer her personal watercraft before going out on the crowded lake
Synonyms of steer

conn (also con), helm, navigate, pilot
Words Related to steer

commandeer, hijack (also highjack)

Synonym Discussion of steer

guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer 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
lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.
    • led his team to victory
steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.
    • steered the ship through a narrow channel
pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.
    • piloted the bill through the Senate
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

Learn More about steer

  1. See words that rhyme with steer Dictionary: Definition of steer Spanish Central: Translation of steer Nglish: Translation of steer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of steer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steer

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up steer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

zibeline

a soft lustrous wool fabric with mohair

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. nebulous Lip reading, Brexit, and semantic uncertainty

  2. synergy Mueller files Cohen details.

  3. slumgullion From the broadcast of 'It Happened on Fifth Avenue'

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games