as in pioneer
someone who is the first to do something or be somewhere
The deep-sea explorer set out to discover shipwrecks long lost to history.
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Recent Examples of explorer
The simple, if slightly sad, reality is that these intrepid explorers embark on a one-way trip upon leaving atop their gravity-defying rockets.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2026
The southern Antarctic and northern Arctic were historically accessible only by explorers, who then paved the way for researchers, and were followed by rugged expedition travelers.
—Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
As one of the most famous characters in video game history, multiple actresses have stepped into the shoes of the fearless explorer, playing her in film and television.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
In spring 1927, several very prominent teams, American and French, including one featuring famous Navy aviator and explorer Cmdr.
—Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explorer
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2026
The southern Antarctic and northern Arctic were historically accessible only by explorers, who then paved the way for researchers, and were followed by rugged expedition travelers.
—Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
As one of the most famous characters in video game history, multiple actresses have stepped into the shoes of the fearless explorer, playing her in film and television.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
In spring 1927, several very prominent teams, American and French, including one featuring famous Navy aviator and explorer Cmdr.
—Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explorer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explorer
Noun
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Representing hip-hop, Clipse and Pharrell Williams, and Tyler, The Creator will perform, while Doechii, Q-Tip and female rap pioneer (and 2005 Grammy host) Queen Latifah will present.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
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Jackson was the pioneer, but Ross was the amplifier.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Then in June 2024, that larger limit was revoked for all airports and the 100ml rule reintroduced, to the fury of many airports and travelers.—
Duncan Madden,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Uzbekistan’s announcement comes at a time when the Central Asian country, best known for its ancient Islamic architecture and cornerstone role in the Silk Road, is seeing a boom in US travelers.—
Brittany Chang,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Earlier in the interview, Turner looked ahead to a bright future in her role as Croft, the adventurer and gaming icon who was named by the BAFTA Game Awards' global poll as the most iconic video game character of all time in 2024, over the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Pikachu, and Mario.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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The Game of Thrones and X-Men star is decked out as the globe-trotting archaeologist and adventurer in the debut photo from Prime Video’s reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise (see it, below).—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But in a Netflix carousel of hourlong specials, Morgan looks like a voyager from somewhere else entirely.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
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The feeling was nothing short of liberatory, as any maiden voyager who falls under the Dionysian spell of the island will feel.—
Fran Tirado,
Them.,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explorer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explorer. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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