as in settler
a person who settles in a new region
the hardships that the pioneers endured while taming the wilderness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in first
coming before all others in time or order
the nation's pioneer institution for the education of African-Americans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of
he single-handedly pioneered the university's institute for medical research
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pioneer
Barbara Booth, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
Rubato’s Explorer rollneck is a throwback to an era before technical clothing, when mountaineers and Arctic pioneers had to rely on knitwear.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
The Lusty Lady, a San Francisco strip club, was pioneering when its workers unionized in 1997, though it’s now closed.
—Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pioneer
Noun
But some early food AI pioneers have already moved on.
—Barbara Booth, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
Rubato’s Explorer rollneck is a throwback to an era before technical clothing, when mountaineers and Arctic pioneers had to rely on knitwear.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
In tandem with the modernist movement of the 20th century was the Danish concept of functionalism; a design philosophy of form follows function, which was introduced by pioneer Danish architects like Poul Henningsen and Vilhelm Lauritzen.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
In the process, Aleidaroos also became aware of Yemen’s pioneering role in coffee history.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
The Lusty Lady, a San Francisco strip club, was pioneering when its workers unionized in 1997, though it’s now closed.
—Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pioneer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pioneer
Noun
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In addition to documenting the attacks against Ballal, the site also mentions the July 28 death, after allegedly being shot by an Israeli settler, of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, who was featured in the film.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
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Ballal said a soldier, who came to their home accompanied by another soldier and a settler-herder, grabbed his brother by the neck and tried to choke him.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But midway through the first, Nayeli Thayer (two assists) found Cataruzolo for a shot at the right post and a 2-0 lead on the rebound after Metzler stuffed the first bid.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
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During this more recent round of Epstein disclosures, Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University and Treasury secretary in the Clinton administration, was among the first business leaders to experience professional blowback.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This has established the requirement for an all-weather solution that enhances warfighters’ capabilities when visibility is limited.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Over time, though, this newfound celebrity began to chafe against the show’s establishing constraints.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The American colonists’ decision to frame their rebellion as a quarrel with a man rather than a system was brilliant from a public-relations standpoint, if not exactly honest.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2026
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The colonists were subject to arbitrary taxation, warrantless searches, standing armies in their homes, and other evils at the hands of the crown.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Public pressure became even stronger after the initial wave of Ukrainian liberations of towns around Kyiv revealed Russian atrocities – including mass killings of civilians.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Authorities in Minnesota are investigating two more fatal house fires after an initial deadly blaze last weekend.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pietro Loro Piana founded the company as a wool mill in 1924 in the country’s Quarona.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Film and Music Entertainment was founded by Taylor in 2000 and has produced over 75 features with over 120 European production companies, winning multiple awards at Venice, Berlin, Sundance and Cannes.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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About Artforum Artforum is the magazine of record for the contemporary art industry and holds the unique roles of institution, nexus, and foremost tastemaker of the art world.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
11 Feb. 2026
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Here are the foremost players who hit that category for the Broncos in 2026, according to OvertheCap.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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After that, the government initiated a new era of levee building.—
Melina Walling,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Both officers were able to get back to shore, as crews with the Eastham Fire Department arrived and initiated rescue efforts.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pioneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pioneer. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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