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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Recent Examples of trailblazers
Wonder women in American history Who were most transformative female organizers, creators, activists, innovators, revolutionaries and trailblazers in American history?
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
This Black History Month, kids and adults are learning more about the trailblazers who became the first Black military aviators in the United States Armed Forces.
—Emily McLeod, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
While Jolie is not one of the trend’s trailblazers, the dress did not feel outside of her wheelhouse.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Six Idaho leaders will be honored at a first-of-its-kind event celebrating athletes, coaches and trailblazers who have paved the way for the next generation of girls and women in Idaho sports.
—Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Keep reading to find out the inspired true story of Hidden Figures, from its historically accurate events to its inspiring real-life trailblazers.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Staley was one of the trailblazers of the WNBA, a six-time All-Star who became one of the top floor generals of her era.
—The Athletic Peak Staff, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
It is intended to connect current crew members with McDonald’s alumni trailblazers who’ve turned their early lessons under the Golden Arches into thriving careers in entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and sports.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Earlier trailblazers such as Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky had demonstrated the potential of meditative moviemaking.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
This Black History Month, kids and adults are learning more about the trailblazers who became the first Black military aviators in the United States Armed Forces.
—Emily McLeod, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
While Jolie is not one of the trend’s trailblazers, the dress did not feel outside of her wheelhouse.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Six Idaho leaders will be honored at a first-of-its-kind event celebrating athletes, coaches and trailblazers who have paved the way for the next generation of girls and women in Idaho sports.
—Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Keep reading to find out the inspired true story of Hidden Figures, from its historically accurate events to its inspiring real-life trailblazers.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Staley was one of the trailblazers of the WNBA, a six-time All-Star who became one of the top floor generals of her era.
—The Athletic Peak Staff, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
It is intended to connect current crew members with McDonald’s alumni trailblazers who’ve turned their early lessons under the Golden Arches into thriving careers in entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and sports.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Earlier trailblazers such as Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky had demonstrated the potential of meditative moviemaking.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trailblazers
Noun
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But some early food AI pioneers have already moved on.—
Barbara Booth,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
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Rubato’s Explorer rollneck is a throwback to an era before technical clothing, when mountaineers and Arctic pioneers had to rely on knitwear.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And farther off, toward the mountains, the Cimarronaje—the settlements of the Black Seminoles and Mascogos who, on escaping slavery, became colonists of a territory that asked for their protection in exchange for ownership.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
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From the days of colonists and pirates to the more modern era (of, say, bankers and lawyers servicing offshore corporations), its touristic charms have gone largely unappreciated.—
John Bowe,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The personal, intimate look invited explorers to travel back in time and imagine what once was.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
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The ship offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the 1850s, settlers from around the world poured into California to seek their fortunes during the Gold Rush.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
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The findings reveal the Arctic settlers’ seafaring nature and deep understanding of the waters around them.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trailblazers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trailblazers. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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