guideposts
Markers showing direction
Guideposts are markers that show direction or distance along a path—literal posts with signs pointing the way.
The word is far more common in its figurative sense: principles, events, or indicators that help navigate decisions or understand progress.
The Constitution serves as a guidepost for legal interpretation.
Her early successes became guideposts for the career that followed.
Roadside directional guide
- waymarkTrail guidance marker
- markerSomething that signals location
- beaconGuiding light source
- landmarkNotable point of reference
arrow · milepost · cairn · blaze · pointer · wayfinder · directional · indicator
Standard for comparison
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- goalDesired end result
- targetObject of pursuit
threshold · breakthrough · watershed · juncture · checkpoint · landmark · signifier · transition
Expert guidance offered
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- coachingGuiding others to improve
- directionWay something faces
instruction · recommendation · insight · feedback · tips · strategy · expertise · consultation
signpost
Roadside directional guide
landmark · arrow · milepost · cairn · blaze · pointer · wayfinder · directional · indicator · bearing
benchmark
Standard for comparison
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- goalDesired end result
target · threshold · breakthrough · watershed · juncture · checkpoint · landmark · signifier · transition · stage
counsel
Expert guidance offered
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
- coachingGuiding others to improve
direction · instruction · recommendation · insight · feedback · tips · strategy · expertise · consultation · enlightenment
values
Principles held worthwhile
tenets · beliefs · ideals · convictions · doctrine · philosophy · creed · code · precepts · foundations
signs
Displays conveying information
cues · hints · evidence · pointers · omens · warnings · harbingers · portents · bellwethers · heralds
- navigation aidscompass, maps, road signs, signs, GPS
- trail signstrail markers, blazes, waymarks, direction arrows, directional signs
guidepostsmisdirection
Intentional focus manipulation
dead ends · disorientation · blind alleys · wild goose chases · red herrings
guidepostsmisguidance
Faulty advice given
deception · false signals · disinformation · uncertainty · ambiguity
guidepostsobstacles
Things in the way
roadblocks · barriers · dead ends · pitfalls · stumbling blocks