1
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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2
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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Recent Examples of trailblazer
Wonder women in American history Who were most transformative female organizers, creators, activists, innovators, revolutionaries and trailblazers in American history?
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Jodie Turner-Smith presented Teyana Taylor with the Vanguard Spotlight Award, which celebrates a trailblazer who ignites the imaginations of cognoscenti and audiences alike.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026
While Jolie is not one of the trend’s trailblazers, the dress did not feel outside of her wheelhouse.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
If God was Smith’s guide through the valley of those 18 months, Smith’s father was his trailblazer.
—Andrew Callahan, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trailblazer
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Jodie Turner-Smith presented Teyana Taylor with the Vanguard Spotlight Award, which celebrates a trailblazer who ignites the imaginations of cognoscenti and audiences alike.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026
While Jolie is not one of the trend’s trailblazers, the dress did not feel outside of her wheelhouse.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
If God was Smith’s guide through the valley of those 18 months, Smith’s father was his trailblazer.
—Andrew Callahan, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trailblazer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trailblazer
Noun
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Known as aggressive cartel The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
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The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.—
Fabiola Sánchez,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Decades before the Declaration of Independence, colonists organized boycotts and public demonstrations opposing British rule.—
Karl W. Bickel,
Baltimore Sun,
24 Feb. 2026
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His outrageous attacks on the citizens of Minnesota are as egregious as anything the British Redcoats did to provoke American colonists into revolution, that started with the Battle of Lexington (painting).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Spanish and English explorers arrived in the 1500s.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
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The winter weather will create dangerous avalanche conditions for backcountry explorers, and is expected to disrupt travel on mountain roads and highways, including Interstate 70, forecasters said.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trailblazer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trailblazer. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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