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

After nearly six months, the crew finally managed to float the ship back - but the accident had left its rudder damaged, making it unfit to sail.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

As you observe their big goofy head navigate toward the stick you threw in the river, you’ll notice their otter tail serving as their rudder as they swim back to you.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025

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

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024

Once more at the tiller, I force the rudder to one side, and the waves do the rest.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

rudder

Example Sentences

Related Words