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Definitions

rudder

[ruhd-er] / ˈrʌd ər /
NOUN
guide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
counselor mentor model pilot teacher
STRONG
adviser attendant captain chaperon cicerone conductor controller convoy criterion design director docent escort example exemplar exhibitor genie genius guru ideal inspiration lead leader lodestar monitor paradigm pathfinder pattern pioneer scout standard superintendent usher vanguard
WEAK
guiding spirit
Antonyms
STRONG
follower
NOUN
helm
Synonyms
STRONG
command control controls leadership reins tiller
WEAK
driver's seat steering wheel
NOUN
tail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back end rear
STRONG
appendage empennage end extremity reverse stub tag tailpiece train
WEAK
caudal appendage fag end hind end hind part hindmost part last part tag end wagger
Antonyms
STRONG
beginning front start
WEAK
head
NOUN
tail end
Synonyms
WEAK
appendage behind butt end buttocks caudal appendage conclusion empennage end extremity fag end hind end hind part hindmost part last part posterior rear rear end rump stub tag end tailpiece tush wagger

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A nation without stories is a boat without a rudder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship was to depart from Northern Ireland last May, but issues with its rudder stocks meant its guests were marooned in the city for more than four months.

From BBC • May 11, 2025

I’ve got rudder pedals on the floor and all these controls.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

Mangione’s Twitter/X account is a kaleidoscopic fever dream with no clear ideological rudder.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024

With his right, he took the front rudder controls.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.