PILOT Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pilot 1 of 3

noun

ˈpī-lət

Definition of pilot next

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pilot

3 of 3

verb

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pilot

Noun

Wisconsin is one of 22 states receiving the grant and was one of six pilot states to receive the federal 2020 School Based Mental Health Professionals Grant. —

Jon Styf | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Dec. 2024 West Virginia canceled its pilot program to cover the drugs for its state employees. —

Melba Newsome | Kff Health News, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024

Adjective

In a YouTube reaction video to the pilot episode of Sister Wives, the 21-year-old reality star called out the role her dad played in their family in response to Kody's now-ex Meri Brown discussing the advantages of a polygamous lifestyle. —

Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 1 May 2023 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

Verb

These voyages offer incredible enrichment and immersion opportunities—guests can join Dr. Proctor in Antarctica, the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft, gaining a unique perspective on Earth from someone who’s seen it from space. —

Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Dec. 2024 City school officials then piloted door replacements by spending more than $756,000 of Maryland school safety grant money on lockable classroom projects in 16 schools. —

Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pilot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot

Noun

Lockheed Martin, a U.S. defense contractor and manufacturer, claimed that the Lightning II's stealth performance enables aviators to evade detection and operate in anti-access and contested environments, which attempt to prevent and limit them from entering and operating in the area.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
The world-famous aviator, through the America First Committee, professedly opposed U.S. involvement as a fool’s errand that would foster dictatorship at home.

Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024