vanguard

1 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> Synonyms cutting edge, van, avant-gardeRelated Words underground; avant-gardist, forerunner, pioneer, precursor, trailblazerNear Antonyms establishment, old guard

2 the leading or most important part of a movement <talk radio is often regarded as being in the vanguard of the conservative movement> Synonyms cutting edge, front line, leading edge, van, forefrontRelated Words spearhead