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pioneers

NOUN

person who finds a new place, founds something

Synonyms

STRONG

colonist colonizer developer explorer founder guide homesteader immigrant innovator leader pathfinder pilgrim scout settler squatter trailblazer

WEAK

frontier settler

VERB

invent; lay the groundwork

Synonyms

STRONG

begin colonize create develop discover establish explore found initiate instigate institute launch originate prepare spearhead start

WEAK

go out in front map out open up show the way take the lead trailblaze

Antonyms

STRONG

cease complete conclude destroy die end finish halt ignore neglect prevent ruin stop terminate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The French were pioneers in aviation, photography and filmmaking, and these technologies’ earliest machines and devices are on display, such as the 1895 Cinematograph, a groundbreaking camera and projection system created by the Lumière Brothers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

The best-known example is perhaps BYD, once a battery-maker for EV pioneers like Tesla and now the world's top manufacturer for the sector.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Baseball traditionally relied on rudimentary statistics and strategies, but pioneers like Bill James introduced complex metrics in the late 1970s to better evaluate player value.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"You've really inspired the entire world," Trump said, calling them "modern-day pioneers" who have "a lot of courage."

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

We have inherited many attitudes from our recent ancestors who wrestled this continent as Jacob wrestled the angel, and the pioneers won.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck