1
as in pioneers
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts
a style of jazz that the vanguard quickly recognized as new and exciting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forefronts
the leading or most important part of a movement
talk radio is often regarded as being in the vanguard of the conservative movement
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Recent Examples of vanguards
He’s so far collaborated with acts like Ecco2k and Xaviersobased, themselves vanguards of the underground-rap scene.
—
Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanguards
pioneers
Noun
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Band founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will embark on the 12-date Fifty Something tour in June to celebrate the music of the prog rock pioneers, their legacy and the life of Peart.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
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His deep exploration of the archive paid true respect to Cristóbal Balenciaga, one of fashion’s greatest pioneers, while his reimagining of signatures — from sculptural silhouettes to something as elemental as the T-shirt — revealed a couture-level sensibility.—
Alex Wynne,
Footwear News,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vanguards.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanguards. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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