Synonyms of steer

steer

verb

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

• guide
• lead
• direct
• accompany
• show
• conduct
• route
• usher
• escort
• pilot
• marshall
• marshal
• precede
• manage
• control
• see
• attend
• chaperon
• convoy
• chaperone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• trail
• tail
• dog
• shadow
• hound
• tailgate

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

• pilot
• navigate
• hijack
• helm
• con
• commandeer
• conn
• highjack

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

Recent Examples of steer

Will Boston move forward with the 2024 NBA Finals MVP as their new temporary centerpiece, relying on Brown to steer the ship until Tatum returns and reunites the team’s $600-plus million duo? —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025

Staying grounded in their business mission helps foster a sense of resiliency and will steer their business through uncertain times. —Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

At that point, the chief engineer had also woken up and went to the control room to try and maneuver the ship while the skipper attempted to steer from the fly bridge. —Greta Bjornson, People.com, 15 May 2025

In May 2023, the company’s CEO, Sam Altman, co-signed an open letter describing the technology as a potential extinction risk—a narrative that has arguably helped OpenAI center itself and steer regulatory conversations. —Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025

Phrases Containing steer

• steer clear of