TRAILBLAZER Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

trailblazer

noun

Definition of trailblazer

as in pioneer

a person or group that originates new concepts, styles, and techniques The Beatles are recognized as some of the greatest trailblazers of rock music.

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Dissimilar Words

as in colonist

a person who settles in a new region The Mayflower brought with it a group of European trailblazers, determined to make a home of that land dubbed "New England."

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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 trailblazer Mattel honored 10 women in 2024 as trailblazers in sports, including tennis legend Venus Williams. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Stuart was a trailblazer whose legacy was built on integrity, professionalism, and bravery. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Even Van Leeuwen, a trailblazer of the fancy-ice-cream movement, has put it on tap. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 The Carters became trailblazers for the nascent genre in the late 1920s; James is known for writing hits for Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and many others. — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trailblazer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trailblazer

Noun

Hanging from the ceiling is a model of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane — the aviation pioneers were from nearby Dayton and an inspiration for Armstrong.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Nobu was one of the pioneers in promoting the concept of family sharing at dinner, and the menu encourages guests to do so.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of pioneer

Noun

Like much of the valley, Gilroy stands on land that was first occupied by the native Amah Mutsun, then taken over by Spanish colonists and later became Mexico.

— Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
The ancient route was first traveled by hunter-gatherers, before being used by Indigenous traders, Inca messengers, Spanish colonists, and railway workers, among others.

— Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

Definition of colonist

Noun

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

Definition of explorer

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trailblazer

trailblazers

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Style

“Trailblazer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trailblazer. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of trailblazer

noun

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