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vanguard

noun

ˈvan-ˌgärd How to pronounce vanguard (audio)
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

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

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 Galliano represents the last of a vanguard of designers who developed cults of personalities. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 The great technological leaps in American history have often featured influential industrialists who step forward as vanguards, leading the way to a better tomorrow while emerging as major players in extreme endeavors. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Columbia waded into the rock vanguard after Davis attended the Monterey International Pop Festival in June 1967 at the behest of its organizer Lou Adler, whose Ode Records was distributed by CBS. — Chris Morris, Variety, 22 June 2026 Linklater was a vanguard of the indie film movement of the 1990s. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vanguard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanguard
  1. pioneer
  2. forefront
  3. underground
  4. avant-garde
Noun
  • The startup, founded by AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, is building AI models for creating virtual 3D environments frequently used in humanoid robot development.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • State historian Doane Robinson wanted to create a monument to the Old West, featuring both pioneers and Native leaders, to attract tourists.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pioneer
Noun
  • In this discussion, taxation and revenue are often at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
    — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • During this time, the Air Max 95 has also been subject to a series of elaborate twists since the model’s 30th anniversary brought it into the forefront.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of forefront
Noun
  • The satellites chase each other in orbit to measure gravitational shifts in water mass, both on land and underground.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Mazama Energy has raised $135 million to accelerate the commercial development of superhot rock geothermal energy, a technology designed to produce large amounts of reliable, carbon-free electricity from extreme heat underground.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of underground
Noun
  • For his fourth feature, Post Tenebras Lux, Reygadas took a major detour toward the avant-garde and the personal, in a move that garnered him some detractors while pleasing his more hardcore fans.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Each nail boasted its own playful pattern, an avant-garde technique largely favored by the younger generations.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of avant-garde

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Cite this Entry

“Vanguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanguard. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vanguard

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vanguard

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