trailblazers

noun

plural of trailblazer
1
as in pioneers
a person or group that originates new concepts, styles, and techniques The Beatles are recognized as some of the greatest trailblazers of rock music.

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2
as in colonists
a person who settles in a new region The Mayflower brought with it a group of European trailblazers, determined to make a home of that land dubbed "New England."

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trailblazers Bluegrass trailblazers the Stanley Brothers, Carter and Ralph Stanley, were inducted in the veteran era artist category. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026 The trailblazers clear the smaller brush, step around the largest trees, squeeze between rocks and weave around whatever cannot easily be moved. — Kevin Brady, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Upon its inception, the neighboring Théâtre des Champs-Élysées brought composers, theatergoers, and fashion trailblazers to regularly dine at the property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026 United were trailblazers at that time, going into European competition against the wishes of the English Football League, which felt doing so would damage the integrity of English football. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 The greatest trailblazers of all are oblivious to any slings and arrows. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 Ripa’s description similarly characterized Aries travelers as energetic trailblazers who are always ready for the next adventure, sometimes before the current one has even ended. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Over the years, some players have chosen to make this rapport vaguely, hilariously antagonistic, and while players like James Acaster may have been the trailblazers in this respect, Sophie Duker elevated it to an art form. — Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026 And Knight joins a team headed by one of women’s hockey’s trailblazers in GM Manon Rheaume. — John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trailblazers
  1. pioneers
  2. colonists
  3. explorers
  4. settlers
Noun
  • From honoring industry pioneers with the Latin Music Legacy Award to bringing Tito Nieves and Luis Figueroa together to discuss the evolution of salsa, AARP was part of the conversations where culture, community and generations connect.
    — Billboard Staff, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But beyond icon status, Moncler praises its three leading ladies as pioneers.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of pioneers
Noun
  • The original model for the kind of adversarial speech the First Amendment aims to protect, McGrane said, was the speech American colonists used against the British.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The animals reached Spain during the Roman Empire and were later brought to what is now Mexico by Spanish colonists in the 1500s.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of colonists
Noun
  • The documentary follows teams of National Geographic explorers investigating the ocean.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Rubio’s idea of the West is both messier and simpler, populated by muscular explorers and conquerors, from Alexander the Great and the Frankish king Charlemagne to the conquistador Hernán Cortés and the frontiersmen of the American West.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of explorers
Noun
  • Viewers will learn about the fragile alliance between the English settlers and the Wampanoag people, and the conflict that set the stage for the earliest foundations of American identity, according to FOX Nation.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Before settlers came, a few species of native roses grew in the nation, and here in Illinois.
    — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of settlers

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Cite this Entry

“Trailblazers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trailblazers. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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