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
• flier
• copilot
• birdman
• test pilot
• ace
• 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
• tentative
• speculative
• 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
• 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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

• steer
• helm
• navigate
• hijack
• conn
• 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

Grosof looked out over the pilot’s shoulder through the cockpit window and saw the cloud of smoke by Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center had stood until that morning. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

The pilot was transported to Reading Trauma Center and was alert and talking after the crash, according to FOX29. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Adjective

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

The story follows an astronaut (Kirby) who is forced to make an impossible decision after an incident with her co-pilot (Pullman) leaves an indelible stain on the mission in the days leading up to lift off, setting off a tense race against the clock. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026

Verb

The Department of Defense is piloting a new tech contracting model, where companies can work at automating department processes and earn a percentage of the savings. — Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2026

In 2014, a half-hour script Lowell had originally developed three seasons prior was picked up to pilot by ABC. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026