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

Examples of pilot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His last routine health check was performed on March 8, 2024, and no health issues were detected that would have prevented him from carrying out his duties as a pilot, according to the airline. —Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2024

In 2023, a LATAM pilot left the flight deck unwell during a service between Miami and Chile. —Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024

Adjective

This is the minimalist path Google, with its experimental store in New York, Amazon and its pilot retail outlets, and now Meta are attempting to replicate. —Adario Strange, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2022

Carly helps a perfectionist chef with stage fright reopen his family’s diner, all for the pilot episode of her television show. —Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2022

Verb

The company has been piloting the app in the area for a few weeks. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Sep. 2024

At the time, Rush was piloting another OceanGate submersible called the Cyclops 1 on a trip to see the remains of the Andrea Doria ocean liner. —Brian Brant, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2024