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
According to reporting from Local 10 News, the midair altercation prompted the pilot to divert the flight to Miami, where McDougall was removed from the plane but not arrested. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 Dozens of speed cameras have been installed in San Francisco as part of a pilot program allowing ticketing of drivers without an officer’s presence. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 30 May 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
  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, 27 May 2025
  • The airfield famously hosted an aeronautical school in the 1940s, when the Army Air Corps relied on the facility to train aviators headed off to fight World War II.
    — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Definition of aviator
Adjective
  • These experimental vaccines appear to provide slightly stronger protection against both variants.
    — Alice Park, Time, 28 May 2025
  • For example, my agency recently shot an experimental commercial for a carmaker that leveraged a hybrid approach to create alternate versions—one in snow and one in the desert.
    — Dustin Callif, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of experimental
Verb
  • Edwards has guided the Timberwolves to two consecutive Western Conference Finals berths for the first time in franchise history.
    — Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Traffic control sign patterns will guide motorists through the work zone, according to the agency.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of guide
Verb
  • Otherwise, Parkinson has steered clear of borrowing players from elsewhere, focusing instead on permanent signings.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, the plan steers the Kingdom from reliance on oil to become a global leader in such sectors as technology, entertainment and tourism.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • Reinke, a three-star recruit at wide receiver, is navigating that process while also trying to be the ace for the North Stars.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
  • Inside TikTok’s push to become a watch-and-shop destination Dec. 12, 2024 Retailers will have to learn how to navigate chatbots that might not recommend their products.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Definition of navigate
Adjective
  • Kasten said there have been discussions about playing exhibition games in Europe within the next two years, as well as building ties with European leagues for developmental purposes and even of one day establishing teams there.
    — John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Lead can harm the brain and nervous systems and lead to developmental problems like growth and speech.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Definition of developmental
Verb
  • But there has been something about coaching this team, at this stage in his career, that had Maurice make a bold statement Saturday.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 May 2025
  • Craig Berube was openly against playing William Nylander with Matthews in his first season coaching the Leafs.
    — Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Definition of coach
Verb
  • The packages show a cute little picture of scissors.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • For comparison, some TV OSes, like Roku OS and LG's webOS, show ads on the OS's home screen and/or when showing screensavers.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 June 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 7 Jun. 2025.

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