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 The trailblazer may be vilified in the moment but may not be celebrated till later. — Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 27 July 2026 Mattel honored 10 women in 2024 as trailblazers in sports, including tennis legend Venus Williams. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 24 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

Venture just beyond downtown to Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Calamity Jane lies buried next to Wild Bill Hickok; paths through the pines lead to the graves of pioneers and other Wild West figures, like Seth Bullock.

— Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 19 Aug. 2026
New York — Columbia House, a pioneer of subscription music before streaming, is shutting down after seven decades in business.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pioneer

Noun

What happened to the colonists remains unknown, but archaeological finds—including otherwise anachronistic English artifacts on Hatteras Island—give some support to White’s theory that at least some of the colonists relocated willingly.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
In the sketch, Washington’s announcement prompts a skeptical colonist (David) to imagine a future leader who ignores the Constitution, uses the presidency for personal gain and seeks to remain in power.

— Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of colonist

Noun

The professional explorers spent a year living inside the Boundary Waters, using their platform to speak loudly for its protection.

— Erin Hassanzadeh, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
From gentle ridge walks with panoramic valley views to high-altitude summit pushes, every level of explorer is catered to.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of explorer

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trailblazer

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“Trailblazer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trailblazer. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of trailblazer

noun

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