Synonyms of engineer

engineer 1 of 2

noun

ˌen-jə-ˈnir 

as in architect

a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking

the engineer of a movement to eradicate hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• architect
• mastermind
• leader
• designer
• maker
• organizer
• builder
• developer
• manager
• originator
• producer
• pioneer
• director
• commander
• inaugurator
• handler
• formulator
• quarterback
• generator
• initiator
• captain
• plotter
• planner
• arranger
• schemer
• inspirer
• contriver
• instituter
• institutor
• spawner
• maneuverer
• hatcher
• finagler
• machinator

engineer

2 of 2

verb

as in to negotiate

to plan out usually with subtle skill or care

the mayor engineered an agreement to have a major league team play in our city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• negotiate
• manipulate
• arrange
• plot
• manage
• maneuver
• mastermind
• contrive
• finesse
• frame
• conclude
• machinate
• wangle
• finagle
• concert
• scheme
• hammer out
• work out
• conduct
• compass
• concoct
• direct
• hatch
• handle
• brew
• connive
• intrigue
• cook (up)
• angle (for)
• captain
• command
• run
• quarterback
• gerrymander

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• butcher
• gum (up)
• blow
• fumble
• botch
• bungle
• mangle
• mess (up)
• mishandle
• flub
• louse up
• muff
• bobble

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb engineer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of engineer are guide, lead, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," 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

When is it sensible to use guide instead of engineer?

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

guided the scouts through the cave

When is lead a more appropriate choice than engineer?

The words lead and engineer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

In what contexts can pilot take the place of engineer?

While in some cases nearly identical to engineer, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When can steer be used instead of engineer?

Although the words steer and engineer have much in common, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of engineer

Noun

Senior hydroelectric power utility engineer | Permanent, full-time Department: Water Resources Salary: $11,104 to $13,898 per month The engineer is responsible for developing, negotiating and managing high and medium voltage transmission contracts for the State Water Project. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Stephen Brashear | Getty Images News | Getty Images At Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, a software engineer in the company’s artificial intelligence division interrupted the event with a message: Stop allowing the Israeli military to use Microsoft’s AI products. —Jordan Novet,hayden Field, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025

Verb

Trump has engineered something like a sanctions regime targeting Americans. —Noah Rothman, National Review, 3 Apr. 2025

The remainder of the trailer shows glimpses of Fielder gazing longingly at a potential love interest, engineering a social mixer of fake pilots and real pilots, delivering testimony at a political assembly, and more. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025