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
Julia Bonavita is a U.S. Writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025 The data recorders are expected to give some insight into what happened during the flight’s final moments, when pilots were making critical decisions. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Adjective
The pilot episode of Martin's new TV show on Outdoor Channel centers around his journey to becoming a master of West Tennessee whole hog barbecue, a technique enduring among only a few pitmasters in the state. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 25 Apr. 2024 One bedroom, located in the cockpit, replicates the in-flight experience characterizing pilot and co-pilot chairs facing a front window, according to the listing. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2024
Verb
In the lead-up to promoting that film, she has been spotted with Cruise in London at dinners, walks in the park and even on helicopter rides piloted by the action star himself. Jack Smart, People.com, 22 May 2025 The model is being piloted at one of Crystal’s lifestyle apparel factories in China. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pilot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot
Noun
  • Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is the mission commander with aviator John Shoffner as pilot and two mission specialist seats paid for by the Saudi Space Commission, Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Amelia Earhart’s final flight Laurie Gwen Shapiro on the aviator and her publicity-mad husband.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Annecy team has been incredibly supportive of this experimental journey.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 8 June 2025
  • Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis: an experimental study National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
    Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The design stands out courtesy of ingrained alignment markers, which guide your hands and feet when setting up poses.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Organizations that embrace this mindset can use external constraints as strategic input, guiding everything from architecture to go-to-market timing.
    Jagbir Kaur, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • After seizing power in 2007, Hamas clamped down on Gaza’s gangs — sometimes with brute force and sometimes by steering perks their way.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • The program has drawn scrutiny for years, seen by critics as ways for supervisors to solicit political support by steering millions in public money to recipients of their choosing with no public debate.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • As the name suggests, small claims court is designed to help people resolve minor disputes and features a simplified process that many individuals can navigate even without an attorney.
    Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • Talk to me about navigating that, the sort of settling into a groove there.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Severe Autism Coexisting Conditions Many people with severe autism also live with other medical, developmental, or mental health conditions that can increase the complexity of care.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
  • Long-term exposure may contribute to developmental delays, lower IQ and behavioral issues in children.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Feldman continued to coach women's soccer at Boston University until her retirement in 2022.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Brown is emerging as a head coaching candidate for the New York Knicks, who fired Tom Thibodeau after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The release did not specify the date of the arrest, but Ada County Jail records show that Teague was booked Thursday evening.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025
  • However, even a cursory comparison to the air forces of Iran’s neighbors shows how far behind Iran’s once mighty air force has truly fallen, irrespective of what Vahedi would have had his domestic audiences believe before Friday.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilot. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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