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

Examples of steer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Until now, the lack of fast-charging stations has steered customers toward Tesla vehicles because of their nationwide network. —Sue Saunders, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024

One of the figures portrayed in the movie — Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally who helped steer him to a career in politics — actually praised the portrayals. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2024

Getty Images Slated to become the next leader of Macao, Sam Hou Fai wants to steer China’s special administrative region further away from its heavy reliance on gaming and gambling. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024

Still, the qualifying session was a clear indicator that the upgrades were steering them in the right direction, showing potential despite the setback. —Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024

Phrases Containing steer

• steer clear of