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
Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
The hospital administrator referred them to Safar, who instead proposed starting a pilot ambulance program focused on the treatment and transportation of critically ill or injured patients.
—Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 25 Apr. 2024
One bedroom, located in the cockpit, replicates the in-flight experience characterizing pilot and co-pilot chairs facing a front window, according to the listing.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2024
Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Google is also piloting a feature that warns users when sharing their phone’s screen with an unknown contact while using a banking app.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pilot
Noun
Other experts said that any level of equipment failure can leave controllers and pilots distracted, stressed and potentially less effective.
—Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
The hospital administrator referred them to Safar, who instead proposed starting a pilot ambulance program focused on the treatment and transportation of critically ill or injured patients.
—Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
Adjective
The pilot episode of Martin's new TV show on Outdoor Channel centers around his journey to becoming a master of West Tennessee whole hog barbecue, a technique enduring among only a few pitmasters in the state.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 25 Apr. 2024
One bedroom, located in the cockpit, replicates the in-flight experience characterizing pilot and co-pilot chairs facing a front window, according to the listing.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2024
Verb
Howard hired an artist in 2023 to paint a mural depicting burger-like flying saucers piloted by aliens shooting ketchup and mustard.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Google is also piloting a feature that warns users when sharing their phone’s screen with an unknown contact while using a banking app.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 May 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,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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The airfield famously hosted an aeronautical school in the 1940s, when the Army Air Corps relied on the facility to train aviators headed off to fight World War II.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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These experimental vaccines appear to provide slightly stronger protection against both variants.—
Alice Park,
Time,
28 May 2025
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For example, my agency recently shot an experimental commercial for a carmaker that leveraged a hybrid approach to create alternate versions—one in snow and one in the desert.—
Dustin Callif,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Ross will mastermind the game, pairing up the couples and guiding them on paths to reconciliation.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
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The Coast Guard has been guiding the ship's crew on repairs and how to move it safely, while all commercial water traffic in the area is suspended.—
Naveen Dhaliwal,
CBS News,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Otherwise, Parkinson has steered clear of borrowing players from elsewhere, focusing instead on permanent signings.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, the plan steers the Kingdom from reliance on oil to become a global leader in such sectors as technology, entertainment and tourism.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Reinke, a three-star recruit at wide receiver, is navigating that process while also trying to be the ace for the North Stars.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
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His story reminds us that staying true to yourself, your beliefs and convictions required the courage to embrace risk, navigate resistance, and stay committed to a purpose that serves the greater good.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Kasten said there have been discussions about playing exhibition games in Europe within the next two years, as well as building ties with European leagues for developmental purposes and even of one day establishing teams there.—
John Wawrow,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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Lead can harm the brain and nervous systems and lead to developmental problems like growth and speech.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
Verb
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This is Kelly’s first time coaching in the NFL since he was fired as the San Francisco 49ers’ coach in 2016.—
Tashan Reed,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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With El Camino Real’s boys team winning the City Section Open Division championship on Saturday after an upset over No. 1-seeded Venice, Lee has won City titles coaching El Camino Real’s boys, girls and beach volleyball teams, the Triple Crown of volleyball coaching.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Someone whose results show elevated levels may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
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Roundabout Theatre Company showed Kander clapping in gratitude in a clip from the event shared on their Instagram. Lopez overhauled her appearance before attending the invite-only afterparty at Bryant Park Grill in New York City.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilot. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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