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 helm
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
The Air Force wants CCAs to increase the number of aircraft available for a mission while giving pilots additional sensing, targeting, and engagement options. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The capacity of remote pilots to steer mid- and long-range drones varies. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Pilot Américo Salazar and co-pilot Irenka Guanilo del Carpio were also killed, the ministry said in a report on the crash. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Kirby plays an astronaut forced to make an impossible decision after an incident with her co-pilot (Pullman) threatens to derail their entire mission in the final countdown to launch. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Verb
Edge faces three counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, after he was accused of piloting a motorboat up to a waterfront bar in Southport in September 2025 and opening fire on patrons. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026 On September 16, an NBC helicopter crashed, killing reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marcini, as well as a third person on the ground. — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pilot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot
  1. aviator
  2. experimental
  3. guide
  4. steer
  5. developmental
  6. coach
  7. show
  8. investigative
Noun
  • Days into their expedition, the team searching for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane is battling severe weather — and racing to identify a mysterious object that could finally solve the aviator's disappearance.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Postwar Hiroshima was a popular setting for these movie gangsters, who fought dirty, had no use for the old ceremonies, and wore flashy suits and aviator shades.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of aviator
Adjective
  • On Uncle, fish narc sheds his past experimental impulses and finds a new identity within ebullient, feel-good college rock.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Spanish scientists have developed an experimental type of self-disinfecting cotton fabric, which is activated via ordinary white light.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of experimental
Verb
  • Acting was his guiding passion, but his deep love for the avant-garde helped till the ground for the city’s theatrical renaissance that the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival catalyzed.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The findings provide a pre-mining benchmark of deep-sea microbial and viral ecosystems to guide future environmental impact assessments.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The Republican incumbent is up against Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative who has focused her campaign on affordability and public education, while largely steering away from social issues.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
  • On April 8, 2025, the Herald/Times Tallahassee bureau broke the story, reporting that the DeSantis administration had steered Medicaid settlement money toward the Hope Florida Foundation.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of steer
Adjective
  • Scouting and developmental programs would become overwhelmingly vital overnight.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • California spends billions of dollars each year on developmental services, including support for people with autism.
    — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of developmental
Verb
  • Wood said that Lambert wouldn’t take her volleyball coaching pay in her first year so the money could be used for scholarships for players who couldn’t afford to play instead.
    — Martha Bellisle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Osasuna defeated Racing Santander 2-0 as Jagoba Arrasate coached his first game since returning to Osasuna.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of coach
Verb
  • Video on social media showed distressed shopkeepers begging young men to stop stealing their inventory—and those young men pushing them aside to grab shoes and food from their shelves.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The analysis showed that quantum mechanics does indeed put a speed limit on how quickly different quantum systems can reach a thermal equilibrium.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of show
Adjective
  • The Bend Police Department remains the lead investigative agency, Schmidt said.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Further investigative projects are being developed around exclusive access to compelling real-life stories.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigative

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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