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Definitions

at the helm

ADJECTIVE
responsible
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answerable culpable guilty liable pledged subject
WEAK
at fault authoritative bonded bound bound to carrying the load censurable chargeable compelled constrained contracted decision-making devolving on duty-bound engaged executive exposed fettered hampered held high in authority in control incumbent minding the store obligated obliged on the hook open susceptive sworn to tied to blame under contract under obligation
Antonyms
STRONGEST
innocent right unaccountable
WEAK
excused exempt free immature immune irresponsible untrustworthy

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.

Jobs was at the helm when Apple launched several culturally defining products, including the iPod, the iMac, and the iPad.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

While that gain wasn’t as high as when Jobs was at the helm, Cook took over a much more successful company than Jobs did.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Greg Abel has been at the helm of the company for 100 days now, and is scrutinizing businesses and investments established under Warren Buffett’s long run.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh has won an election with 97.8% of the vote, keeping him at the helm of the strategically-placed Horn of Africa nation for a sixth term, preliminary official results show.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Behind him at the helm, a burly bearded guy in a mechanic’s uniform was tinkering with the controls, furiously trying to keep the ship aloft.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan