pilot 1 of 3

as in aviator
one who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft the airline is seeking experienced pilots to fly the new airplane

Synonyms & Similar Words

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pilot

2 of 3

adjective

pilot

3 of 3

verb

1
2
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front the lead rider piloted the rest of the team

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to navigate
to operate or control the course of managed to pilot the plane to safety despite the failure of the left engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pilot contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pilot are engineer, guide, lead, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

When could engineer be used to replace pilot?

The words engineer and pilot are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan.

engineered his son's election to the governorship

In what contexts can guide take the place of pilot?

While the synonyms guide and pilot are close in meaning, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

Where would lead be a reasonable alternative to pilot?

In some situations, the words lead and pilot are roughly equivalent. However, lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is it sensible to use steer instead of pilot?

The synonyms steer and pilot are sometimes interchangeable, but steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pilot
Noun
But for pilot Bob Stark of Boca Raton, the acrobatic twists and turns of doing stunts in the sky is his passion. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2025 Five members of a Spanish family and the pilot all died. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Tom Chitty Like a pilot episode of a TV series to see what the reaction is. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 July 2024 The pilot episode of Hazbin Hotel was released in 2019 on YouTube, but the first season premiered on Jan. 18 on Amazon Prime. Xander Zellner, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2024
Verb
The Switch 2, which can be used handheld or connected to a television, allows players to race go-karts piloted by characters from the company’s entertainment franchises: Mario, Yoshi, Princess Peach. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025 Sethu and Gatwa’s pairing means that two people of color will pilot the Tardis for the first time in Doctor Who’s history. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pilot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot
Noun
  • More than 20,000 shoppers just bought the classic aviators, which come in 19 colors.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The double-bridge gives you the classic aviator look, while the adjustable nose pad makes for a comfortable fit.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, for her Coachella debut Tyla brought an experimental island flavor to the desert.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
  • From Experiments To Enterprise-Wide Automation 2024 marked AI's experimental phase, with businesses testing isolated applications.
    Oleksandr Sheremeta, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, build structures that invite real debate, define guiding principles that hold the team together and recommit regularly to the messy, human work of listening and aligning.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Dugan is accused of guiding the defendant and his attorney out of a side door to a hallway leading to a public area on the same floor, according to authorities.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But those launches are usually accompanied by airspace and maritime warning notices to ensure pilots and sailors steer clear of the test.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has steered the White House toward a rapprochement with the Kremlin, monitored with apprehension by most of the U.S.' allies and many domestic lawmakers.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cleaner Heads: Since every home is bound to have some tight spaces and nooks that are hard to reach, most vacuums in this list have motorized brush rolls as well as rotating cleaner heads to thoroughly clean and navigate through your space.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The device also has a swiveling head that navigates corners, and LED headlights illuminate hidden dust bunnies.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The team already took a developmental pass-rusher in the first round last year, so the pick could be used more wisely in 2025.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As developmental psychologist Robert Kegan shows in his research on adult development and organizational complexity, leaders sometimes conflate decisiveness with speed.
    Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For all of the optimism generated this offseason, the team assembled by Schoen and coached by Brian Daboll went 3-14 last season.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • He was coached by his father, Leonard, in his early days as a football player, running the ball, filling in at quarterback if needed, and playing all over the field on defense.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An online database that tracks ship movements shows the Mohawk has been docked in its home port since mid-March.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Text messages sent in the hours leading up to O’Keefe’s death read aloud to the court by a Massachusetts state trooper show the couple were at a strained point in their relationship.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilot. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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