VANGUARD Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

vanguard

noun

ˈvan-ˌgärd

Definition of vanguard

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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 Now entering its third year, Athlos is among a new vanguard of professional track and field events aimed at modernizing the sport for the streaming era and growing its audience in non-Olympic years. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 20 May 2026 Hekt’s debut album heralds a union between the left-field pop scene of his native Copenhagen and the influential Glasgow label Numbers, whose formidable run of 2010s releases—including several landmark SOPHIE singles—has left a neon imprint on the new Danish vanguard. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026 Antonelli, though, has been emerging as this vanguard’s shining star. — Nick Remsen, Vogue, 1 May 2026 Teyana Taylor is taking her fashion vanguard reputation to new heights in the desert. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vanguard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanguard

Noun

Sumissura, the online tailoring platform for women, is among the most recent technology pioneers leveraging AI to enhance fit.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Over his past few pictures, Nolan has become a pioneer in shooting on Imax film, but The Odyssey is his first to be shot entirely in the large-screen format.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Definition of pioneer

Noun

After all, this was one of Bermuda’s first major hotel projects in more than a decade—one that put contemporary design at the forefront.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Marked down a rare 36 percent, these chic loafers are crafted from sleek leather for a streamlined, sophisticated look on the outside and a pillowy feel on the inside, leaving all-day comfort at the forefront.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Definition of forefront

Noun

For the past half-decade, evilgiane and his Surf Gang collective have had their hands all over the quirkiest and most effervescent sounds of rap’s underground and mainstream.

— Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026
Taking the dance sensation out of New York's gay underground and on the road, the singer vogued her way around the world on her 1990 Blond Ambition Tour, which kicked off in Japan that April.

— Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of underground

Noun

Though the sexism of the times forced Beth to take a back seat to her husband as the face of the company, her work dominated the mid-20th century American shoe market and brought avant-garde ideas into shoe design.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
The Gelmans fraternized with Mexico’s bohemian avant-garde and hosted soirees at opulent residences in Mexico and New York.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of avant-garde

Browse Nearby Words

vandals

vanguard

vanguards

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“Vanguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanguard. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of vanguard

noun

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