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

Beth Rinehart wrote the original pilot script. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 June 2026

Bresnik will serve as commander with Parmitano as the pilot. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Adjective

The show recently received a pilot greenlight at Hulu. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026

The plane’s nose was sheared off from the impact, leaving the pilot and co-pilot dead. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026

Verb

The program will be piloted in Baton Rouge, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Houston. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 10 June 2026

After launching, the crew will pilot the Orion spacecraft to catch up with the lander and dock to it. —Brendan Byrne, NPR, 9 June 2026