Synonyms of pilots

pilots 1 of 2

noun

plural of pilot

as in aviators

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

• aviators
• airmen
• fliers
• birdmen
• copilots
• test pilots
• aces
• flyboys
• skippers
• captains
• bush pilots
• barnstormers

pilots

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of pilot

1

as in guides

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

• guides
• coaches
• shows
• mentors
• shepherds
• tutors
• accompanies
• steers
• teaches
• engineers
• leads
• walks through
• counsels
• escorts
• trains
• informs
• schools
• convoys
• supervises
• drills
• briefs
• squires
• godfathers
• chaperones
• superintends
• sees
• directs
• attends
• sways
• oversees
• instructs
• indoctrinates
• fosters
• enlightens
• inculcates
• nurtures
• cultivates

2

as in steers

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

• guides
• steers
• routes
• shows
• ushers
• leads
• accompanies
• marshals
• escorts
• conducts
• directs
• convoys
• precedes
• controls
• chaperones
• manages
• sees
• attends

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follows
• trails
• dogs
• tails
• shadows
• hounds
• tailgates

3

as in navigates

to operate or control the course of

managed to pilot the plane to safety despite the failure of the left engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steers
• navigates
• hijacks
• helms
• conns
• commandeers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pilots

Noun

For a decision-maker watching agent pilots multiply across departments, this is where cost, access and audit either get governed or get out of hand. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

While maintaining the illumination needed for pilots and crews, these modes are intended to reduce the likelihood of detection by opposing forces using infrared sensors. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

Billions have already been committed to AI infrastructure, licenses, and pilots, yet measurable outcomes remain inconsistent for many companies. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 July 2026

The placards displayed the women’s aspirations of becoming actors, models, pilots and lawyers — many of whom went on to achieve these dreams. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026

The pilots reported the laser strike while flying over Bedford Township. — Nick Lentz, CBS News, 29 June 2026

The test used additional radios on the drones intended to allow pilots to keep an eye on the drones even while out of sight. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 27 June 2026

Cressy has additionally established the nonprofit, Privileged Pilots Project, an organization dedicated to helping aspiring pilots with health and life challenges achieve their dreams. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

The only public indication of an impending launch was the release of a warning for pilots and sailors to steer clear of the rocket’s flight path. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Verb

There's also an optional co-op mode, which allows two players to split the controls of the Arwing starfighter and other vehicles; one person pilots them while the other shoots at enemies. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 May 2026

Benji gives in to whatever Jake wants, desperate not to rock the boat, while Jake frequently pilots their relationship, taking control without giving much thought to Benji and his desires. — David Opie, IndieWire, 4 May 2026

The drones are always recording and equipped with high-quality zoom and thermal cameras as a Cincinnati police officer remotely pilots the drone from the department's command center. — David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2025

When Claire’s adult daughter Channing pilots the idea of going on a ski trip next year and starting her own holiday traditions, Claire completely ices her out and won’t consider it. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2025

Maito then pilots one of these robots, called Gaine, and teams up with other mecha to take down the real evil Nouvelle Tokyo City. — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025