guide

American  

[gahyd] / gaɪd /

verb (used with object)

guided, guiding

1. to assist (a person) to travel through, or reach a destination in, an unfamiliar area, as by accompanying or giving directions to the person.

   He guided us through the forest.

   Synonyms:

   escort, steer, pilot

   Antonyms:

   follow

2. to accompany (a sightseer) to show points of interest and to explain their meaning or significance.

3. to force (a person, object, or animal) to move in a certain path.

4. to supply (a person) with advice or counsel, as in practical or spiritual affairs.

5. to supervise (someone's actions or affairs) in an advisory capacity.

   Synonyms:

   rule, govern, manage, regulate

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noun

1. a person who guides, especially one hired to guide travelers, tourists, hunters, etc.

   Synonyms:

   conductor, director, pilot

2. a mark, tab, or the like, to catch the eye and thus provide quick reference.

   Synonyms:

   clue, key, indication, signal, sign

3. a guidebook.

4. a book, pamphlet, etc., giving information, instructions, or advice; handbook.

   an investment guide.

5. a guidepost.

6. a device that regulates or directs progressive motion or action.

   a sewing-machine guide.

7. a spirit believed to direct the utterances of a medium.

8. Military. a member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

guide ¹ British  

/ ɡaɪd /

verb

1. to lead the way for (a person)

2. to control the movement or course of (an animal, vehicle, etc) by physical action; steer

3. to supervise or instruct (a person)

4. (tr) to direct the affairs of (a person, company, nation, etc)

   he guided the country through the war

5. (tr) to advise or influence (a person) in his standards or opinions

   let truth guide you always

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noun

1. 1. a person, animal, or thing that guides

   2. ( as modifier )

      a guide dog

2. a person, usually paid, who conducts tour expeditions, etc

3. a model or criterion, as in moral standards or accuracy

4. See guidebook

5. a book that instructs or explains the fundamentals of a subject or skill

   a guide to better living

6. any device that directs the motion of a tool or machine part

7. 1. a mark, sign, etc, that points the way

   2. ( in combination )

      guidepost

8. spiritualism a spirit believed to influence a medium so as to direct what he utters and convey messages through him

9. 1. navy a ship in a formation used as a reference for manoeuvres, esp with relation to maintaining the correct formation and disposition

   2. military a soldier stationed to one side of a column or line to regulate alignment, show the way, etc

Guide ² British  

/ ɡaɪd /

noun

1. US equivalent: Girl Scout.  (sometimes not capital) a member of an organization for girls equivalent to the Scouts

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Usage

What are other ways to say guide?

To guide someone is to assist them in traveling through or in reaching a destination by accompanying them or giving them directions. How does guide compare to synonyms conduct, direct, and lead? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

• guidable adjective
• guideless adjective
• guider noun
• guiding adjective
• guidingly adverb
• nonguidable adjective
• preguide verb (used with object)
• reguide verb (used with object)
• unguidable adjective

Etymology

Origin of guide

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English giden (verb), gide (noun), from Old French gui(d)er (verb), gui(d)e (noun), from Germanic; akin to wit ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

“But the effects are modest and the evidence is not yet sufficient to support using genetic information to guide treatment decisions in routine clinical practice.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Their tables evolve, Blackman says, as they “consider the profile and the joinery so we can highlight the wood grain and keep live-edge features. We let the wood guide us.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Stevie is blind and deaf and needs to be rehomed with the other, who has become her guide.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Many tour operators suggest riding on the back of a motorcycle with a local guide at the helm, particularly for inexperienced riders.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Bronden bent over her compass, frowning in her efforts to guide their way as it swirled, thick and yellow-white, around them.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

Related Words

• accompany
• advise
• educate
• escort
• govern
• handle
• influence
• instruct
• manage
• maneuver
• navigate
• oversee
• regulate
• see
• shepherd
• steer
• supervise
• sway
• teach
• train