Synonyms of pilot

pilot 1 of 3

noun

ˈpī-lət 

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

• aviator
• airman
• flyer
• flier
• copilot
• birdman
• ace
• test pilot
• skipper
• flyboy
• captain
• bush pilot
• barnstormer

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

• experimental
• developmental
• investigative
• trial
• preliminary
• exploratory
• temporary
• hypothetical
• preparatory
• speculative
• tentative
• theoretic
• provisional
• theoretical
• probative
• untried
• conjectural
• unproven
• untested
• unproved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• standard
• established
• accepted
• advanced
• developed
• final
• tested
• permanent
• proved
• tried
• decisive
• definitive
• conclusive
• proven

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

• guide
• coach
• show
• mentor
• steer
• accompany
• teach
• lead
• walk through
• counsel
• inform
• escort
• train
• shepherd
• tutor
• engineer
• supervise
• drill
• school
• convoy
• direct
• attend
• see
• oversee
• godfather
• chaperon
• brief
• sway
• chaperone
• squire
• instruct
• superintend
• foster
• enlighten
• inculcate
• cultivate
• nurture
• indoctrinate

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

• guide
• steer
• show
• route
• conduct
• accompany
• lead
• escort
• direct
• usher
• marshall
• marshal
• precede
• convoy
• control
• attend
• chaperon
• see
• chaperone
• manage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• trail
• dog
• tail
• shadow
• hound
• tailgate

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

• steer
• navigate
• helm
• hijack
• con
• conn
• highjack
• commandeer

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

Recent Examples of pilot

Noun

The Founding Partners of the Displacement Film Fund’s pilot scheme are Master Mind, Uniqlo, Droom en Daad, the Tamer Family Foundation and Amahoro Coalition whose generous contributions enabled the scheme. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 May 2025

Once dry, use a 1/8-inch-diameter drill bit to create pilot holes in the center of each dowel. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025

Adjective

Tom Chitty Like a pilot episode of a TV series to see what the reaction is. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 July 2024

The pilot episode of Hazbin Hotel was released in 2019 on YouTube, but the first season premiered on Jan. 18 on Amazon Prime. —Xander Zellner, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2024

Verb

Similar systems are being piloted nearby in Framingham, Mass., and — dependent on federal funding — at New Haven’s Union Station. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025

Gather more data, seek diverse perspectives, or pilot a prototype. —Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025