Operate
Operate verb - To control the mechanical operation of.
Usage example: do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication
Pilot is a synonym for operate in manage topic. In some cases you can use "Pilot" instead a verb "Operate", when it comes to topics like drive, navigate.
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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Instant Expert: As a neat side effect of Mercer's memory absorption ability, if you want to pilot or operate advanced military technology, all you need to do is find someone who does, and consume them.
Source: Videogame / [PROTOTYPE] -
After their latest military pilot nearly kills himself trying to operate the mech, the scientists comment that they need to find someone who can move the gauge on the spirit-power-measuring-thingy.
Source: Readings Are Off the Scale -
Though they live on separate planets and usually operate independently, they fit this trope on the occasions when they work together, such as in the She-Ra pilot and the Christmas special.
Source: Brother-Sister Team
Cite this Source
Pilot and Operate. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/operate/pilot
Operate & Pilot. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/operate/pilot>.
Pilot or Operate. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/operate/pilot.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "operate" and "pilot" have occurred on timeline