engineer 1 of 2

engineer

2 of 2

verb

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

Examples 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 engineer
Noun
As a result, firefighting efforts were confined to the resources on the ground, putting the water system under tremendous strain, said Janisse Quiñones, chief executive and chief engineer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 Quoc Le is a food scientist, food engineer and food industry consultant. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Now, not all of that was his fault because the Bills’ leadership tried to engineer some of the instinctive gunslinger out of his game. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 These materials are often engineered to avoid sun-bleaching in the summer and cracking in the cold winter months. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for engineer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engineer
Noun
  • However, the most important factor was having the Institute reflect the architect’s post-war trauma.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The Seattle architect Susan Jones helped write mass timber into the International Building Code, which many states and municipalities (but not New York) adopt.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The labor action sprang up almost a month ago at the height of the Christmas package delivery season, with workers at Amazon facilities dotted across the country picketing for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, and a demand that Amazon negotiate with them on a contract.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In 2022, the Israeli parliamentarian Naftali Bennett recalled negotiating with Netanyahu after a recent election failed to yield a clear winner.
    Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The raptors’ behavior underscores the complex relationship between fire and wildlife, revealing how some species adapt and even manipulate their surroundings to thrive.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • China can gather data on Americans or manipulate the content on TikTok to shape U.S. opinion, the government argues.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • McGahn arranged a memo warning Trump the move could lead to his impeachment.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
  • One day before TikTok star Deborah Finck died of rare soft tissue cancer, her daughter Katerina arranged a meaningful memory.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near engineer

Cite this Entry

“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engineer. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on engineer

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