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Synonyms

navigate

American  
[nav-i-geyt] / ˈnæv ɪˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

navigated, navigating
  1. to move on, over, or through (water, air, or land) in a ship or aircraft.

    to navigate a river.

  2. to direct or manage (a ship, aircraft, or guided missile) on its course.

  3. to ascertain or plot and control the course or position of (a ship, aircraft, etc.).

  4. to pass over (the sea or other body of water), as a ship does.

  5. to walk or find one's way on, in, or across.

    It was difficult to navigate the stairs in the dark.

  6. to move or progress through in a logical sequence.

    Headings and subheadings make it easier to navigate a long article.

  7. Computers. to move from one part to another of (a website, document, etc.), especially by using the links.

    Their site is uncluttered and easy to navigate.


verb (used without object)

navigated, navigating
  1. to direct or manage a ship, aircraft, or guided missile on its course.

  2. to pass over the water, as a ship does.

  3. to walk or find one's way.

  4. to travel by ship or boat; sail.

  5. to move or progress through something in a logical sequence.

    We’re navigating through a maze of environmental legislation.

  6. Computers. to move from one part to another of a website, document, etc.

navigate British  
/ ˈnævɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

  1. to plan, direct, or plot the path or position of (a ship, an aircraft, etc)

  2. (tr) to travel over, through, or on (water, air, or land) in a boat, aircraft, etc

  3. informal to direct (oneself, one's way, etc) carefully or safely

    he navigated his way to the bar

  4. (intr) (of a passenger in a motor vehicle) to give directions to the driver; point out the route

  5. rare (intr) to voyage in a ship; sail

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • misnavigate verb
  • renavigate verb (used with object)
  • unnavigated adjective
  • well-navigated adjective

Etymology

Origin of navigate

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin nāvigātus “sailed,” past participle of nāvigāre “to sail,” from nāv(is) “ship” + -igāre, combining form of agere “to drive, do”; fumigate

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.

Before filming his first episode, Cudi binged several podcasts and tapped people like writer, producer and actor Lena Waithe, whose guidance helped him navigate hosting and connect authentically with his guests.

From Los Angeles Times

So — no — this reader is not the only one to be rattled, particularly as we are already navigating choppy economic waters.

From MarketWatch

And market share is not the only headwind—there is no guarantee smart glasses will achieve mass adoption or navigate global regulations.

From Barron's

Production of the fifth season of the reality show, which follows a group of Utah influencers — dubbed MomTok — as they navigate marriage, friendship and religion, has been put on pause amid the investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

The peak requires hiking and mountaineering skills, it's also difficult to navigate, especially in poor weather.

From BBC