steer

1
as in to guide
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 & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to pilot
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 & Similar Words

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How does the verb steer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of steer are engineer, guide, lead, and pilot. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

When is engineer a more appropriate choice than steer?

Although the words engineer and steer have much in common, 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

In what contexts can guide take the place of steer?

While the synonyms guide and steer are close in meaning, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

Where would lead be a reasonable alternative to steer?

The synonyms lead and steer are sometimes interchangeable, but lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When can pilot be used instead of steer?

The words pilot and steer can be used in similar contexts, but pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

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 steer While the states in the bay region help steer the ship of the effort, the federal support is the engine moving the restoration forward. Kristin Reilly, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025 After seizing power in 2007, Hamas clamped down on Gaza’s gangs — sometimes with brute force and sometimes by steering perks their way. Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 The program has drawn scrutiny for years, seen by critics as ways for supervisors to solicit political support by steering millions in public money to recipients of their choosing with no public debate. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 According to Bash, Trump appeared unbothered and instead tried to steer the conversation toward the economy, highlighting gas prices and jobs data. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for steer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer
Verb
  • Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone, along with Connecticut State Police.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
  • There will be guided tours of the park and Wright’s Walter House in Quasqueton, Iowa.
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.
    Sam Kieldsen, Wired News, 27 June 2025
  • To scale effectively, brands should pilot new experiences, partner with tech experts, and use feedback and analytics to optimize performance.
    Julio Cesar Gomez, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Fortune helped edit the autobiography of leading Black intellectual Booker T. Washington, and his civil rights organization, National Afro-American League, is considered an important predecessor to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 23 June 2025
  • Morrison leads the nation with 10 outings of six innings or longer in which he’s allowed zero or one run.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The redesign is aimed at making the street more easily navigated by pedestrians and bicyclists as well as safer to drive through.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • Like most environmental groups, the San Diego chapter of the Sierra Club is navigating an increasingly rocky road.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • More details about what Blanchett’s cameo portends for the future of the Squid Game franchise — like, who might direct a new U.S. season, who else would star and/or how involved series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk will be — can be expected from Netflix in the weeks and months ahead.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
  • Recognizing this short deadline, the space agency has directed European scientists and engineers to begin preliminary work on the mission.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Multiple national park advocacy groups, including some comprised of current and former NPS employees, have called for the public to hijack the government’s initiative by posting comments in support of national parks and their employees.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • But most user applications don't have kernel access specifically because a buggy app (or one hijacked by malware) with kernel access can bring the entire system down rather than just affecting the app.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Wednesday is predicted to put an end to the week’s streak of showers and thunderstorms with mostly sunny conditions expected throughout the day accompanied by a high of 88.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • The event featured two screenings of the documentary, accompanied by an educational moment centered around self-care.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The studio has already brought two young Thai female directors into the fold, helming two features: The Great Esarn Heist, (directed by Cantana Tiprachart); and Songkhram Songkran, (the directorial debut of Pisinee Khaosamai).
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • All four studios are divisions of Universal Studio Group, helmed by Pearlena Igbokwe.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steer. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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