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

Among the reasons listed for such disruptions included hurricanes, lost luggage, car breakdowns, blizzards and even missing pilots. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, is a talented fencer and a licensed airline pilot who has flown all across the world. —

Peter White, Deadline, 4 Nov. 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

In July, the chain announced plans to pilot a beef burger that aims to rival the Big Mac, though a U.S. launch timelines remains unclear. —

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024 For four months earlier this year, the Italian city of Venice piloted a surcharge scheme for daytrippers. —

Samuel Burke, Fortune Europe, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pilot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot

Noun

Susan Runyan Berkeley Congress’s effort helping aviators go green The push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a perfect example of how smart investments in clean energy can create substantial benefits across multiple industries.

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
The aviator addressed a crowd topping 10,000, while outside the venue, thousands of supporters and protesters lined the streets.

Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Oct. 2024