STEER Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

steer

verb

Definition of steer next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 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 steer To avoid contracting the virus, try to steer clear of chickens, cows, and other infected or potentially infected livestock or wild animals whenever possible. —

Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2024 The couple served Carter cookies and coffee and steered clear of discussing Carter’s performance in office during their visit, according to newspaper archives and Phillips' obituary. —

Michael Graff, Axios, 29 Dec. 2024 Captain Park, who apparently has endless free time, is steering his boat for Jun-ho and the rest of the search-and-rescue crew. —

Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 Any smart administrator would steer clear of such rabid racists. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer

Verb

Visualize the Solution Mood boards have long been a staple of fashion, used to articulate the inspiration behind a collection while guiding merchandising, marketing and storytelling.

Marissa Andrada, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
Analyst David Konrad says key catalysts for the stock moving forward include a roughly 30% discount on its 2026 price-to-earnings ratio compare to peers, as well as potential changes to rules guiding the capital that banks must have against the credit.

Brian Evans, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025