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
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
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pilot
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
As part of their standard investigative protocol, the NTSB will gather flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, and the pilot's license information.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Xander Zellner, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2024
Both Macdonald and Hsu were eyed for the pilot role that went to Polanco, but they were cast in later episodes.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2023
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
And that honor goes to Chase Briscoe, who is piloting the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing for the first year in 2025.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pilot
Noun
Photo: Getty Images Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic centers on a former NASA pilot (Matthew McConaughey) who is recruited to go to space in search of other habitable planets.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
As part of their standard investigative protocol, the NTSB will gather flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, and the pilot's license information.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
The pilot episode of Hazbin Hotel was released in 2019 on YouTube, but the first season premiered on Jan. 18 on Amazon Prime.
—Xander Zellner, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2024
Both Macdonald and Hsu were eyed for the pilot role that went to Polanco, but they were cast in later episodes.
—Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2023
Verb
At any rate, everyone boards a boat piloted by the handsome Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) — not surprisingly, Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer, replacing Sally Hawkins from the earlier films), is more easily lured in by Cabot than is her husband (Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville).
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
And that honor goes to Chase Briscoe, who is piloting the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing for the first year in 2025.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pilot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilot
Noun
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Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is the mission commander with aviator John Shoffner as pilot and two mission specialist seats paid for by the Saudi Space Commission, Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni.—
Richard Tribou,
Orlando Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2025
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One pair of aviators is designed with reflective lines on the temples, which takes inspiration from the Canada Goose Expedition parka.—
Layla Ilchi,
WWD,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In 2025, Millie Bobby Brown steps up to the mantle to defy internet bullies and keep serving her maximalist, experimental style—in a look indebted to Twain.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
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In simple terms, today’s technologies are largely experimental, proof-of-concept or prototypes.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But Trump’s belief, his hunch, that Putin can be trusted and wants peace, is now guiding US policy, and rewriting America’s role in the largest war in Europe since the 1940s.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
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Setting out with a plan guides the entire process and leads you to a polished result.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Understandably, some folks prefer to steer clear of body butters for many reasons: a super-heavy feel, a longer period of absorption, and a greasy film on your skin.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
3 Mar. 2025
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In his new position at Disney, Cripps will steer the overall global theatrical distribution of all Walt Disney Studios labels including Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studio, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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View 11 Images Chinese auto marque Chery has created a visionary concept van meant to navigate out of the city and chase adventure with family and friends.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Mar. 2025
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Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for buyers who are willing to navigate the current market conditions.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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His evolution under head coach Ty Lue and the Clippers’ developmental staff has continued to impress everyone in the organization.—
Shane Young,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Still, some developmental work continued as producers worked with non-profits and other non-Broadway League members to stage workshops and readings.—
Caitlin Huston,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Six decades into his career, coaching still fuels Weinstein.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2025
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Mike Macdonald went as far as to say Seattle could win a championship with Smith, and new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said the opportunity to coach Smith is one of the reasons he was attracted to Seattle.—
The Athletic NFL Staff and more,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The first detailed nationwide data on schools’ recovery shows that achievement gaps have widened, with the poorest students the furthest behind.—
Aatish Bhatia,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2025
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Surveillance video shows the car slowing down and knocking over the bikers.—
Jasmine Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to pilot
Cite this Entry
“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilot. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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