Definition of vanguardnext
1
as in pioneer
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts a style of jazz that the vanguard quickly recognized as new and exciting

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2
as in forefront
the leading or most important part of a movement talk radio is often regarded as being in the vanguard of the conservative movement

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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 vanguard Founded in 2010, Big Health, which makes cognitive behavioral therapy apps to treat anxiety and insomnia, was among the original vanguard of digital therapeutics companies. Mario Aguilar, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026 One of the year’s buzziest debuts so far comes from Xaviersobased, a 22-year-old musician who’s part of a vanguard of digital-native artists whose music is at once informed by the 2010s (Xavier’s name is a nod to millennial rap entity Lil B the BasedGod) and entirely of the moment. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2026 China’s presumptive position at AI’s vanguard marks a seismic shift. Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026 As in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, Minneapolis has seen a layered civic uprising where a vanguard of protesters has gained strength as many others who don’t share progressive convictions joined in feeling, if not always in person. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vanguard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanguard
Noun
  • Even the pioneers of AI will tell you, Stassun said, in many cases, what AI does very well is rapidly synthesizing, consolidating or repackaging existing information.
    National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Commissioners McSlavkin and Ella Cross both questioned a historical mural in the tunnel, which includes controversial pioneers John Sutter and Peter Burnett, during the meeting.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This is followed by the love planet’s trine to Pluto on April 28, intensifying attractions and bringing magnetic conversations to the forefront.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Costco has been at the forefront of responding to frustrations with the shopping experience, and the new technological rollouts signal a commitment to its members.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Household water largely comes from underground, the same aquifer that connects to the springs.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The beetles winter underground, with adults emerging in late spring.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, once an aristocratic mansion, falls somewhere between the avant-garde works at the Reina Sofia and the traditional Spanish art at the Prado.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Explore stores specializing in items from the 17th to 20th centuries — everything from midcentury modern furniture to avant-garde oil paintings — and others offering design pieces befitting Palm Beach style.
    Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vanguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanguard. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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