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.

Described by some as spiritual guides or even family members, Joshua trees have inspired a wide range of artists and writers, from Indigenous people and pioneers to U2 and the creators of “Euphoria.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss are among the bitcoin pioneers betting big on the so-called privacy token, which lets users shield their transaction details.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 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

"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

The Olmec, Maya, and other Mesoamerican societies were world pioneers in mathematics and astronomy—but they did not use the wheel.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann