ENGINEER Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'engineer' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of engineer are guide , lead , pilot , and steer . While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," 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 'guide' instead of 'engineer'?

While the synonyms guide and engineer 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: When is 'lead' a more appropriate choice than 'engineer'?

The words lead and engineer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order. // led his team to victory

Q: In what contexts can 'pilot' take the place of 'engineer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to engineer , pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course. // piloted the bill through the Senate

Q: When can 'steer' be used instead of 'engineer'?

Although the words steer and engineer have much in common, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly. // steered the ship through a narrow channel

engineer 1 of 2

noun

ˌen-jə-ˈnir

Definition of engineer next

as in architect

a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking the engineer of a movement to eradicate hunger

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engineer

2 of 2

verb

as in to negotiate

to plan out usually with subtle skill or care the mayor engineered an agreement to have a major league team play in our city

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb engineer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of engineer are guide, lead, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," 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 guide instead of engineer?

While the synonyms guide and engineer are close in meaning, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

When is lead a more appropriate choice than engineer?

The words lead and engineer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

In what contexts can pilot take the place of engineer?

While in some cases nearly identical to engineer, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When can steer be used instead of engineer?

Although the words steer and engineer have much in common, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

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 engineer

Noun

Five of those exits occurred within the past year alone, including Kyle Kosic, who oversaw infrastructure before jumping to OpenAI in mid-2024, and Christian Szegedy, a former Google engineer who left last February. —

Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores used to work as an aerospace engineer, but gave up that position to focus on council duties. —

Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026

Verb

Braden emphasizes that not all lymphatic brushes are created equally, and her patented tool was engineered to work with facial tissue and the lymphatic vessel system to target inflammation. —

Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026 Rob Smierciak engineered and provided original music. —

Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engineer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for engineer

Noun

William is asserting himself as the architect of a stricter, more disciplined royal model.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
The contest’s winner, a Danish architect and recent Chicago transplant named Alfred Råvad (sometimes spelled Roewad), suggested the color scheme of white and red.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of architect

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“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engineer. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of engineer

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