steer

verb

Definition of steernext
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

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

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 Harvey Prager had been on watch for hours, steering through lashing rain and 20-foot waves in the Yucatan Channel. —Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026 Here, three interior designers chime in with five things that make backyards look bad and why—be sure to steer clear of these pitfalls at all costs. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026 But the magic of Power Ballad, from Once and Sing Street director John Carney, comes from its refusal to steer too blindly into either camp, instead forging its own path somewhere in between. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026 Goddard once used a bicycle wheel to show funding agencies how gyroscopes could help steer rockets in space. —Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steer
  1. guide
  2. pilot
  3. lead
  4. navigate
  5. accompany
  6. helm
Verb
  • February 19 – March 20 Your presence guides today’s gentle pace.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • No one held her hand and guided her through the process.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • For instance, Lenzing teamed up with Adidas and the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences to pilot a recycling process, which resulted in a sweater made from recycled lyocell fibers.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Cisco’s People, Policy, and Purpose (3P) organization piloted its Working with AI program in just four weeks with five cross-functional teams.
    — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of pilot
Verb
  • Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine activist before becoming the nation's top health official, fired the entire 17-member panel last year and replaced it with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Hernandez’s homer was his third of the spring and gives him a team-leading 15 RBIs in Cactus League play.
    — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of lead
Verb
  • First and foremost, travelers have become increasingly reliant on expert guidance to navigate fluctuating travel advisories, shifting entry requirements, and health protocols.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The airport is increasing staffing to help passengers navigate the busy terminal and find the fastest line.
    — Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of navigate
Verb
  • Under sunny skies, and accompanied by warm southerly winds of 5 to 10 mph, Austin’s daytime temperatures on Saturday could soar to 94 degrees, similar to the 97-degree reading last Sunday (a record for March 15).
    — Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, there was a perceptible rise in militant attacks within Pakistan, accompanied by Kabul’s reluctance or inability to decisively act against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
    — Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • The dining magnate is opening up a multi-level dining spot in Midtown called 550 Madison, with the folks at Rockwell Group helming the design.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The latest installment is directed by Academy Award nominee Pierre Coffin, who helmed the first three Despicable Me films and the first Minions movie.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of helm

Phrases Containing steer

Browse Nearby Words

steeps
steer
steer clear of
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Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steer. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on steer

Nglish: Translation of steer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steer

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