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 Employers, who provide most working-age Floridians with health coverage, can use this information to steer employees to the highest-quality, lowest-cost treatment options. Cynthia A Fisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025 They’re embedded just enough to carry the weight—but not enough to steer the ship. Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 At the same time, Wynwood Norte is seeing some of the fruits of the rezoning in the form of several low-scale, neighborhood-friendly workforce apartment buildings that are now under construction, said Miami attorney Steven Wernick, who helped steer that plan to approval. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 When the sky indicated the moths were oriented in the proper migratory direction, electrical activity in neural regions related to vision, navigation, and steering all peaked. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for steer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer
Verb
  • His legacy was the tradition of limited government and individual responsibility that guides us back to our true north when America gets off track.
    Linda McMahon, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • The South Milwaukee water department assisted by using a jet truck to guide the ducklings to safety.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 5 July 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
  • That’s why two months ago, in the most extraordinary election of my lifetime, Canadians chose Mark Carney to lead them away from America.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
  • Studios with a deal for FilmRise, a leading indie distributor of digital streaming content.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 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
  • 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
  • The music video, which shows a frustrated Camilo looking for answers in an office space, was directed by Evaluna Montaner and Sebastian Andrade at his own El Taller Creativo in Miami.
    Luisa Calle, Billboard, 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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