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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vanguard
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
Newsom portrayed California as a dominant force in the global economy and vanguard of the technology and entertainment sectors during his final State of the State address on Thursday.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Hochman said the state’s DUI laws, considered among the nation’s vanguard four decades ago, have since lagged behind to become some of the nation's weakest.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Pants-optional dressing was arguably the biggest fashion trend of 2025, with celebrity style vanguards like Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, and Sydney Sweeney opting to leave their pants at home in favor of cheeky outfits—and Eva Longoria is getting on the pantsless bandwagon.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vanguard
Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Newsom portrayed California as a dominant force in the global economy and vanguard of the technology and entertainment sectors during his final State of the State address on Thursday.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Hochman said the state’s DUI laws, considered among the nation’s vanguard four decades ago, have since lagged behind to become some of the nation's weakest.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Pants-optional dressing was arguably the biggest fashion trend of 2025, with celebrity style vanguards like Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, and Sydney Sweeney opting to leave their pants at home in favor of cheeky outfits—and Eva Longoria is getting on the pantsless bandwagon.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vanguard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanguard
Noun
-
Known as aggressive cartel The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
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The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.—
Fabiola Sánchez,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At the forefront of having our backs through this whole process and trying to do the right thing was Bruce and Matt.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Sources close to the production are not expecting fireworks on stage at the Royal Festival Hall, but this has not stopped the Glastonbury scandal from being at the forefront of minds.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the concept of finding naturally occurring stores of hydrogen underground is relatively new, Johnson said the process of drilling and producing hydrogen wells is well established science and uses the same rigs used to drill for natural gas.—
Cami Koons,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Montreal’s underground is the RÉSO.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Other avant-garde theaters existed at the time, most notably Undermain.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Born in Lake Placid, N.Y., Curwen graduated from Parsons before cutting his teeth in the studios of New York City’s avant-garde, starting at Area, then cycling through Wiederhoeft, Elena Velez and Jane Wade.—
Ari Stark,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vanguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanguard. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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