pilot 1 of 3

noun

ˈpī-lət How to pronounce pilot (audio)
Definition of pilotnext
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

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

1
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
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
In the pilot program, the U.S. Department of Education offered Pell grants for short-term training for students who wouldn’t otherwise qualify and compared their outcomes to those without grants. —Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025 King Charles’ former pilot, Graham Laurie, previously said that Prince William stopped flying with his father after his 12th birthday. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
Four crew members – a pilot, co-pilot, paramedic and doctor – were also on board the flight, which was scheduled to stop for refueling at the Springfield airport before continuing to its final destination of Tijuana, Mexico, Gold told CNN. —Rebekah Riess, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025 The complaint claimed that when Crichton sold Warner Bros. the screenplay for what became the pilot episode of ER, Warner Bros. promised that no subsequent productions derived from ER would go forward without Crichton’s consent. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
Gonzalez published her debut novel Olga Dies Dreaming, in 2022, which became a New York Times Best Seller and was ordered to pilot by Hulu, which Gonzalez adapted. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 July 2025 Waggoner, an Austin resident, said his home city was an obvious choice for piloting the new concept. —Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pilot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot
  1. aviator
  2. experimental
  3. guide
  4. steer
  5. navigate
  6. developmental
  7. coach
  8. show
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, 13 July 2025
  • Oversized aviators Mark my words: Summer’s trendiest sunglasses will be retro, oversized aviators.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 June 2025
Definition of aviator
Adjective
  • Participants were presented with a series of experimental questions along with two facial photographs, one of a bearded face and another of a non-bearded one.
    — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Fox performed his original music on keyboards with Solo Smith on bass and Myles Martin on drums at the intimate club Gesu, blending elements of experimental jazz and soul.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of experimental
Verb
  • Let the repeats guide readers’ attention, especially in moments when emotions are building.
    — Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • In other words, this wasn’t a unilateral Trump move nor a matter of whim, but a coordinated transatlantic effort that follows the upbeat NATO summit in June that Rutte skilfully guided.
    — Daniel Fried, Time, 15 July 2025
Definition of guide
Verb
  • Others avoid red wines to steer clear of hangover-inducing tannins.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
  • Musk has worried in the past about the influence of activist investors or proxy advisory firms steering Tesla down the wrong long-term path at the expense of short-term pressures.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • More: Great Lakes tribes’ knowledge of nature could be key to navigating climate change.
    — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Yet many colleges still lack tailored resources for student-parents, leaving them to navigate a system that wasn’t built for them.
    — Rita Raichoudhuri, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Definition of navigate
Adjective
  • The compromise could be another center on a two-way deal, even with Goldin in place as a developmental project.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2025
  • There is developmental receiving upside on the roster with Ladd McConkey, who was good as a rookie and can be better this year, and Quentin Johnston.
    — KC Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Definition of developmental
Verb
  • Think strategy, deep thinking, building relationships, or coaching top talent.
    — John Rex, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Crook — who also coaches football — went ring shopping.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of coach
Verb
  • Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton sat in a suite and received the loudest ovation from the crowd when he was shown on the videoboard.
    — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
  • In yet another post showing the dog — which appears to be a miniature dachshund — dozing on a rug by a fireplace, Evans revealed that her name is Lala.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

pills
pilot
piloted
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Cite this Entry

“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilot. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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