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 She was involved in guild leadership and helped to steer some of the early SAG Awards ceremonies. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026 The Sound Of Fiscal Dominance Fiscal dominance describes the situation in which the government’s financing needs, rather than the inflation outlook, start to steer monetary conditions. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Ron Book, the longtime chairman of the Homeless Trust, in a recent Herald interview, questioned his organization’s decision to allow Solano to steer clients to her own homes. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 With Evil Dead Rise steering the franchise in a new darker direction, the horror continued this summer with Sébastien Vaniček’s Evil Dead Burn. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Aug. 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
  • However, the company is now guiding to full-year constant-currency revenue growth of 11%, down from a previous range of 10% to 11%.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Ask the question, take the pause, and let honest self-awareness guide the next conversation.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • While snobbery and name-dropping dominate, Nora’s feeling of alienation is tempered by her crush on associate editor Thomas (Joshuah Melnick) who, though only slightly older, seems to know everything about piloting the scene.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Amelia Earhart became the first woman to pilot a nonstop flight across the United States.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of pilot
Verb
  • The secretary insisted he is focused on leading the War Department.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Qatar, one of the world’s leading producers of LNG, is trying to find some way to keep its export routes open, through diplomacy, finding new customers, and taking rare opportunities to get their product through Hormuz.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of lead
Verb
  • Traveling this way often becomes a collaborative experience, with guests, drivers, and guides working together to navigate challenging terrain and adapt to changing conditions along the way.
    — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Her former colleague James Derby is also navigating the turbulent job market.
    — Bri Buckley, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of navigate
Verb
  • Gunn wrote in his post, accompanied by two photographs with the crew.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The title track’s accompanying video, directed by Gordon von Steiner and co-starring Nicole Kidman, also gives a glimpse at the scale of Sivan’s latest visual world.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • Their boat was struck from behind by one helmed by Richard Stevenson, 45, of Lisle.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The film marks Cohen’s first time directing a feature himself, after previous Ali G and Borat projects were helmed by other directors.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of helm

Phrases Containing steer

Browse Nearby Words

steeps
steer
steer clear of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on steer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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