steer

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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 But the state has been steering school districts toward programs that focus mainly on abstinence. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025 The exec, a Marvel veteran who only took charge of series in 2021, earlier this year renewed his contract, a sign of confidence from Marvel in his abilities to steer the television ship. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025 Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment. Rob Rossi, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Imagine a breadcrumb path that steers them straight into the system that controls them, reducing the risk that termites might tunnel between stations on the way to the structure. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for steer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer
Verb
  • Inside, nine immersive galleries guide visitors through Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the grandeur of Titanic’s interiors, and the events leading up to the disaster, as well as the legacy that followed.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • In 29 seasons, Popovich guided the Spurs to five NBA championships, won a record 1,466 games in the regular season and left a legacy as one of the best leaders in NBA history, a culture builder who transformed San Antonio into a model franchise.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Microsoft has also piloted a tool that uses AI to analyze phone conversations to determine whether a call may be fraudulent and alert the user accordingly.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 8 May 2025
  • Two additional men, accused of piloting and refueling the smuggling boat, were apprehended shortly after the vessel washed ashore.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Donald Trump does not need to lead and govern this way.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
  • At the Indiana meeting, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity TV doctor whom Trump appointed to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was also present with Kennedy to put a MAHA stamp of approval on the governor's efforts.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
  • In my experience, connecting with other Black patients made all the difference in navigating my eczema.
    Raelle Kennedy, Health, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Please direct any questions to Chairman Barbara Tillman RPBCchairman@BentonCountyGOP.org.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Burton is directing episodes of Wednesday season 2, premiering Aug. 6. on Netflix. Which cast members are returning for Beetlejuice 3?
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • While the Ghor rebels are hijacking an imperial supply vehicle — in order to reveal to the galaxy that the Empire is lying about its intentions for the planet — Kleya is at a fancy party, trying to remove one of her listening devices from an antique artifact in an aristocrat’s personal gallery.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Without a clear framework, machine identities can be hijacked, impersonated, or manipulated at scale, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security systems unnoticed.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The mother then accompanied medics to the hospital so the infant could be evaluated.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • One vehicle was being driven by a 52-year-old man, who was accompanied by a 49-year-old woman, thought to be his wife.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Along the way, Foley also directed for television, helming episodes of Billions, Hannibal and Wayward Pines.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • The retail pharmacy giant launched its clinical trial business in June 2022, helmed by Chief Biopharma Officer Ramita Tandon.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steer. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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