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

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 guide

Verb

Staying connected to your customers and using data to guide decisions gives you a powerful edge. —

Janet Lam, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 So the idea that Terry couldn’t wash his hands and that the blood would remain was such a terrific lightning-in-a-bottle moment that Justin guided me toward. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

Vogue Shopping The insider’s guide to what to shop and how to wear it. —

Libby Page, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024 For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guides to the best blenders, essential pots and pans, chef knives, pizza ovens, and camp cooking. —

Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for guide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide

Verb

But the map shows that Americans living in the North and those at higher elevations are the most likely to see snow on Christmas morning.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
The photos appear to have been taken from a camera in a cab, which authorities believe the suspect boarded after the shooting and show him wearing a blue medical mask and a hooded jacket.

John Bacon, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024