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
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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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Often overshadowed by their male counterparts, these artists–including Elaine de Kooning, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell–were pioneers in their own right.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Then with the [SF drag pioneers of the late ‘60s] the Cockettes and the Angels of Light [communal theater].—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vanguards.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanguards. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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