guide 1 of 2

verb

Definition of guidenext
1
as in to show
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed the pastry chef guided her through the creation of the wedding cake, showing her how to ice the layers, fashion the elaborate decorations, and assemble the whole shebang

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about thought the new superintendent would guide the school system well

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front would be happy to guide you folks to the historic part of town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

guide

2 of 2

noun

ˈgīd How to pronounce guide (audio)
as in guard
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy followed our guide through the dangerous mountain trails

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb guide contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of guide are engineer, lead, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

Where would engineer be a reasonable alternative to guide?

The synonyms engineer and guide are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 lead instead of guide?

Although the words lead and guide have much in common, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is pilot a more appropriate choice than guide?

In some situations, the words pilot and guide are roughly equivalent. However, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When can steer be used instead of guide?

While in some cases nearly identical to guide, 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 guide
Verb
The combined Caltech and JPL team had little spaceflight experience to guide them. —Rod Pyle, Space.com, 14 July 2025 Even navigating the vast stretches of the Pacific, where the missiles won’t have any landmarks to guide them, presents a challenge. —Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Noun
According to the Michelin Guide, not all restaurants included in the guide are fancy or pricey. —Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025 Consider this your insider guide to all the best finds in bestselling beauty and designer fashion. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for guide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide
  1. show
  2. supervise
  3. steer
  4. guard
  5. coach
  6. oversee
  7. lead
  8. companion
Verb
  • Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton sat in a suite and received the loudest ovation from the crowd when he was shown on the videoboard.
    — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
  • Real-world data from 14 airports in China, including one in the challenging climate of Tibet, show that the material's properties fluctuated by just three percent over a year.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of show
Verb
  • Dogs should be supervised when chewing on a bone, and larger breeds should get large ones to prevent swallowing; there are also plenty of chew toys that have a similar texture to bones, which could be a good alternative.
    — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But for now, corrections employees are supervising a rising number of prisoners.
    — Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • Others avoid red wines to steer clear of hangover-inducing tannins.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
  • Musk has worried in the past about the influence of activist investors or proxy advisory firms steering Tesla down the wrong long-term path at the expense of short-term pressures.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Definition of steer
Noun
  • The Magic had help off the bench when 6-5 guard Wendell Moore Jr. posted an efficient 22 points with a pair of triples and 6-4 guard Alondes Williams added 14 with 4 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025
  • Bringing in a guard who can make that kind of an impact would be of interest to most teams around the NBA.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of guard
Verb
  • Think strategy, deep thinking, building relationships, or coaching top talent.
    — John Rex, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Crook — who also coaches football — went ring shopping.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of coach
Verb
  • Both Trump and Biden oversaw the confirmation of hundreds of judges during their respective terms, reshaping the federal judiciary and altering the confirmation process.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
  • Senior editor Bess Pallares is overseeing the project on Oni’s end.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of oversee
Verb
  • Networking Without the Pressure Rather than leading new introductions with pitches and business cards, relationship-first networking creates room for real conversations.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Going into the All-Star break, Judge is leading the majors with a .355 batting average and an OPS of 1.194.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of lead
Noun
  • According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly and make excellent family companions.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Gatwa’s Doctor was regenerated into Billie Piper, who previously played companion Rose Tyler in 2005 and 2006.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of companion

Phrases Containing guide

Browse Nearby Words

guidance
guide
guidebook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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