1
as in pioneers
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 colonists
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 trailblazers
Six Idaho leaders will be honored at a first-of-its-kind event celebrating athletes, coaches and trailblazers who have paved the way for the next generation of girls and women in Idaho sports.
—
Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Keep reading to find out the inspired true story of Hidden Figures, from its historically accurate events to its inspiring real-life trailblazers.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Staley was one of the trailblazers of the WNBA, a six-time All-Star who became one of the top floor generals of her era.
—The Athletic Peak Staff, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
It is intended to connect current crew members with McDonald’s alumni trailblazers who’ve turned their early lessons under the Golden Arches into thriving careers in entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and sports.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Earlier trailblazers such as Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky had demonstrated the potential of meditative moviemaking.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
This is an ideal time to reflect on the brilliance, resilience and outstanding achievements of trailblazers like Mara Brock Akil to Angel Reese to Ursula Burns, to be reminded of what is possible.
—Essence, 2 Jan. 2026
From performing traditional chinelo dances as a kid to watching his father DJ cumbia sonidera and banda sets in his neighborhood — Santy began experimenting with his own musical style since the pandemic, inspired by corridos tumbados trailblazers like Herencia de Patrones and Legado 7.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2025
Radio was instrumental to creating political power and representation of the community, Amandi said, adding that without radio, many politicians would not have reached important national political positions, becoming trailblazers for Hispanics.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Keep reading to find out the inspired true story of Hidden Figures, from its historically accurate events to its inspiring real-life trailblazers.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Staley was one of the trailblazers of the WNBA, a six-time All-Star who became one of the top floor generals of her era.
—The Athletic Peak Staff, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
It is intended to connect current crew members with McDonald’s alumni trailblazers who’ve turned their early lessons under the Golden Arches into thriving careers in entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and sports.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Earlier trailblazers such as Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky had demonstrated the potential of meditative moviemaking.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
This is an ideal time to reflect on the brilliance, resilience and outstanding achievements of trailblazers like Mara Brock Akil to Angel Reese to Ursula Burns, to be reminded of what is possible.
—Essence, 2 Jan. 2026
From performing traditional chinelo dances as a kid to watching his father DJ cumbia sonidera and banda sets in his neighborhood — Santy began experimenting with his own musical style since the pandemic, inspired by corridos tumbados trailblazers like Herencia de Patrones and Legado 7.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2025
Radio was instrumental to creating political power and representation of the community, Amandi said, adding that without radio, many politicians would not have reached important national political positions, becoming trailblazers for Hispanics.
—Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trailblazers
Noun
-
Salsa segments paid homage to icons like Héctor Lavoe and the Fania All-Stars, while reggaetón moments honored pioneers such as Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, and Tego Calderón.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Francesco Iorio, founder of Augmenta and one of the pioneers of generative design at Autodesk, works in an industry where visibility actively undermines trust.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From the days of colonists and pirates to the more modern era (of, say, bankers and lawyers servicing offshore corporations), its touristic charms have gone largely unappreciated.—
John Bowe,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
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Despite this, the edition offered by Goldin Auction was originally printed and distributed so that colonists could read the Second Continental Congress’ argument for separating from Great Britain in July 1776.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The personal, intimate look invited explorers to travel back in time and imagine what once was.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
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The ship offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Norse were Scandinavian Viking-era settlers who, led by Erik the Red from Iceland, established medieval farming colonies in southwestern Greenland around 985–986 CE, according to the Mariners' Museum and Park and other sources.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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This prequel to Hallmark’s historical drama series, When Calls the Heart, will take viewers back in time to follow the early settlers of the community that will one day become the beloved frontier town of Hope Valley.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trailblazers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trailblazers. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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