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Definitions

pioneering

[pahy-uh-neer-ing] / ˌpaɪ əˈnɪər ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
avant-garde
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advanced ahead of its time cutting-edge experimental groundbreaking innovative innovatory inventive leading-edge modern new new-wave original progressive revolutionary state-of-the-art trailblazing ultramodern unorthodox
STRONG
daring forward-looking forward-thinking hip last-word nonconformist off the beaten path radical
WEAK
Bohemian offbeat unconventional unfamiliar unorthodox untraditional way-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional
STRONG
conservative moderate
WEAK
conventional
ADJECTIVE
futuristic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
innovative modern
WEAK
advanced cutting edge revolutionary visionary
Antonyms
STRONGEST
old
ADJECTIVE
go ahead
Synonyms
WEAK
ambitious enterprising entrepreneurial go-getting gumptious up-and-coming
Antonyms
WEAK
denied vetoed
ADJECTIVE
preceding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
introductory previous prior
STRONG
foregoing forward front head lead leading pioneer
WEAK
above-mentioned above-named aforeknown aforementioned aforesaid ahead of antecedent anterior before erstwhile forerunning former heretofore one time other past precedent precursive precursory preexistent prefatory preliminary preparatory prevenient prodromal supra
Antonyms
STRONGEST
later
STRONG
back inferior last unimportant
WEAK
after below following
NOUN
colonization
Synonyms
STRONG
clearing establishment expansion founding immigration migration settlement settling squatting transplanting
WEAK
expanding opening up peopling populating
NOUN
introduction
Synonyms
STRONGEST
addition debut establishment inauguration influx initiation installation launch opening preface presentation
STRONG
admittance awakening baptism beginning commencement essentials exordium foreword hornbook inception induction ingress insertion institution interpolation intro lead lead-in overture preamble preliminaries prelude primer prolegomenon prologue survey
WEAK
basic principles basic text first acquaintance first taste opening remarks proem
Antonyms
STRONGEST
close closing conclusion end ending finish
STRONG
completion epilogue
NOUN
lead-in
Synonyms
STRONGEST
foreword
STRONG
addition admittance awakening baptism beginning commencement debut essentials establishment exordium inauguration inception induction influx ingress initiation insertion installation institution interpolation intro launch lead opening overture preamble preface preliminaries prelude presentation primer prolegomenon prologue survey
WEAK
basic principles basic text first acquaintance first taste opening remarks proem
Antonyms
STRONG
close closing completion conclusion end ending epilogue finish termination
NOUN
prolegomenon
Synonyms
STRONG
addition admittance awakening baptism beginning commencement debut essentials establishment exordium foreword inauguration inception induction influx ingress initiation insertion installation institution interpolation intro launch lead lead-in opening overture preamble preface preliminaries prelude presentation primer prologue survey
WEAK
basic principles basic text first acquaintance first taste opening remarks proem
Antonyms
STRONG
close closing completion conclusion end ending epilogue finish termination

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.

This has left the pioneering cryptocurrency on the cusp of a breakout that could take its price back toward six-figure territory, analysts said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

History books are riddled with examples of pioneering inventors, like Meucci, whose work is relegated to the footnotes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The pioneering Glacier Law, approved in 2010, prohibited all mining and exploration activities in glacier regions by protecting them as water reserves.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

She connects with Salonen’s pioneering fascination with technology and the orchestra.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The following morning they received honorary doctor of science degrees for their pioneering spirit.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson