explorer

noun

Definition of explorernext
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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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 explorer Both the United States and China plan to send robotic explorers to the south pole later this year, paving the way for human explorers to follow close behind. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Shackleton, one of history's most celebrated Antarctic explorers, died on Quest in 1922 at age 47. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Well, technically Scott McMahan is the vice president of horticulture and collections at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but being a plant explorer comes with the job. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The same year, Dean & Dean architect Earl Barnett designed a mural depicting Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s search for gold on the west wall of the auditorium. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explorer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explorer
  1. pioneer
  2. traveler
  3. adventurer
  4. voyager
Noun
  • Summary Haley and Hanna Cavinder, pioneers of NIL, have successfully transitioned from influencers to founders, launching their own wellness brand, Go Two, and co-founding a tequila brand, Azucar.
    — Kristi Dosh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Alila Ventana Big Sur resort is 51 years old, while the Post Ranch Inn sits on the former homestead of the Post pioneer family who settled in the region in the 1860s.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of pioneer
Noun
  • From here, travelers can tackle everything from relatively approachable day hikes to multi-day journeys into the alpine zone.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Tumi’s aptly named Just In Case tote should be on every traveler’s essentials list.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of traveler
Noun
  • The backstory L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, was built in 1929 as a commission for Allen Knight, an adventurer and author, as a way to bring together the artistic spirit of Carmel-by-the-Sea and European traditions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Whether a whiskey connoisseur, aviation aficionado, outdoor adventurer, or eclectic foodie, the small town of Tullahoma, Tennessee, has much to offer you.
    — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of adventurer
Noun
  • Through each voyager’s distinct perspective, the book explores artificial intelligence, social media, and the effects of extended isolation.
    — Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
  • Murphy, the traditional voyager, is Native Hawaiian.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of voyager

Browse Nearby Words

explored
explorer
explorers
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Cite this Entry

“Explorer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explorer. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on explorer

Nglish: Translation of explorer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explorer

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