GUIDE Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'guide' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of guide are engineer , lead , pilot , and steer . While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers. // guided the scouts through the cave

Q: Where would 'engineer' be a reasonable alternative to 'guide'?

The synonyms engineer and guide are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lead' instead of 'guide'?

Although the words lead and guide have much in common, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order. // led his team to victory

Q: When is 'pilot' a more appropriate choice than 'guide'?

In some situations, the words pilot and guide are roughly equivalent. However, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course. // piloted the bill through the Senate

Q: When can 'steer' be used instead of 'guide'?

While in some cases nearly identical to guide , steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly. // steered the ship through a narrow channel

guide 1 of 2

verb

Definition of guide next

as in to show

to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed the pastry chef guided her through the creation of the wedding cake, showing her how to ice the layers, fashion the elaborate decorations, and assemble the whole shebang

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to supervise

to look after and make decisions about thought the new superintendent would guide the school system well

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to steer

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front would be happy to guide you folks to the historic part of town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

guide

2 of 2

noun

ˈgīd

as in guard

one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy followed our guide through the dangerous mountain trails

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb guide contrast with its synonyms?

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

guided the scouts through the cave

Where would engineer be a reasonable alternative to guide?

The synonyms engineer and guide are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 lead instead of guide?

Although the words lead and guide have much in common, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is pilot a more appropriate choice than guide?

In some situations, the words pilot and guide are roughly equivalent. However, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When can steer be used instead of guide?

While in some cases nearly identical to guide, 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

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 guide

Verb

Factors like your body weight, metabolism, and previous cannabis experience should guide your consumption choices. —

Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 Nonetheless, the film’s visual sensibility was guided by elemental factors inherent to the scenes, which so often pivot around movement and physical contact. —

Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Noun

To help spot it, viewers should look towards the south in the evening sky, using the bright star Fomalhaut in the nearby Piscis Austrinus constellation as a guide to locate Aquarius. —

Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 Scroll through for the real-deal ski guide, with picks from our favorite ski brands and more. —

Irene Kim, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for guide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide

Verb

Images from the scene show Lancaster Township Fire Department surrounding the two-story house as smoke billows from the roof, firefighters swarming the inside and outside of the structure.

— Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
Biden showed the note to some members of his staff after his inauguration in 2021 but didn’t let anyone read it.

— Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025