PILOT Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pilot 1 of 3

noun

ˈpī-lət

Definition of pilot next

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

Relevance

pilot

2 of 3

adjective

as in experimental

made or done as an experiment a new pilot program to train inner-city residents for jobs in the tech sector

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pilot

3 of 3

verb

as in to guide

to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed piloted the figure skater through the national championships

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

This one at Amazon has all the features a beginner unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilot would want, including self-landing and auto-return. —

Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025 The pilots and passengers on board are presumed dead, but officials on Friday night did not immediately confirm the number of fatalities. —

Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Both Macdonald and Hsu were eyed for the pilot role that went to Polanco, but they were cast in later episodes. —

Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2023 In a YouTube reaction video to the pilot episode of Sister Wives, the 21-year-old reality star called out the role her dad played in their family in response to Kody's now-ex Meri Brown discussing the advantages of a polygamous lifestyle. —

Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 1 May 2023

Verb

James’ Team AlUla, named after the ancient oasis city in Saudi Arabia, will be piloted by Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings. —

Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Her ride is a jalopy of a propeller plane piloted by Daryl (Wahlberg), who turns out to be a Mob hit man. —

Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pilot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot

Noun

President Trump celebrated and honored the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term, promoting legendary aviator Charles McGee to Brigadier General and pinning his stars in the Oval Office.

— Shamim Chowdhury, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Ray-Ban aviators, gold jewelry and a navy watch topped off her look.

— Hannah Malach, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025