What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guidepost
Example
The guidepost at the trailhead pointed us in the right direction. [guidepost: noun]
Example
The company's mission statement served as a guidepost for their business decisions. [guidepost: figurative noun]
signpost
Example
The signpost on the highway indicated the next exit. [signpost: noun]
Example
The sudden increase in sales signposted a shift in consumer behavior. [signposted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Signpost is more commonly used than guidepost in everyday language. Signpost is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while guidepost is less common and refers to a more specific type of marker or indicator.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guidepost and signpost?
Both guidepost and signpost are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
