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

Synonym Chooser

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 But the state has been steering school districts toward programs that focus mainly on abstinence. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 The exec, a Marvel veteran who only took charge of series in 2021, earlier this year renewed his contract, a sign of confidence from Marvel in his abilities to steer the television ship. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025 Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment. Rob Rossi, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Imagine a breadcrumb path that steers them straight into the system that controls them, reducing the risk that termites might tunnel between stations on the way to the structure. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for steer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer
Verb
  • Peter then guided me to a sparsely furnished sitting room for my royal audience.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 19 May 2025
  • Ross will mastermind the game, pairing up the couples and guiding them on paths to reconciliation.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • In the lead-up to promoting that film, she has been spotted with Cruise in London at dinners, walks in the park and even on helicopter rides piloted by the action star himself.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • The model is being piloted at one of Crystal’s lifestyle apparel factories in China.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • However, access is a steep and crumbling concrete staircase leading down to the river and boat tours.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Donald Trump does not need to lead and govern this way.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • His story reminds us that staying true to yourself, your beliefs and convictions required the courage to embrace risk, navigate resistance, and stay committed to a purpose that serves the greater good.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Inside TikTok’s push to become a watch-and-shop destination Dec. 12, 2024 Retailers will have to learn how to navigate chatbots that might not recommend their products.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Those critiques gave rise to fears that the Marshals could be caught in the middle of a power struggle if the White House or Justice Department direct them to ignore a court order or to yank security from judges, the Democrats said.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 22 May 2025
  • Jonathan Spector’s play will be directed for TimeLine by Lili-Anne Brown and staged at a Chicago venue yet to be announced.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • While the Ghor rebels are hijacking an imperial supply vehicle — in order to reveal to the galaxy that the Empire is lying about its intentions for the planet — Kleya is at a fancy party, trying to remove one of her listening devices from an antique artifact in an aristocrat’s personal gallery.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Without a clear framework, machine identities can be hijacked, impersonated, or manipulated at scale, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security systems unnoticed.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday morning, Ruth, a volunteer who asked not to be fully identified for fear of retaliation, accompanied an asylum seeker from Colombia to his court hearing — something volunteers have been doing for a long time to support migrants without legal representation.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Watch the accompanying video, directed by Scrub, below.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The Valkyries become the WNBA's 13th team and first since 2008, helmed by former Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase.
    Brendan Le, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • Aronofsky helmed the film from a script by Charlie Huston, who wrote the books on which the movie is based.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steer. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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