torchbearer
One carrying forward
A torchbearer carries a torch, literally or figuratively.
The term evokes ceremonial processions—Olympic torchbearers relay the flame from Greece to the host city.
More often, torchbearer describes someone who leads or champions a cause, movement, or tradition: She became the torchbearer for criminal justice reform.
The image suggests carrying light forward through darkness.
Burning gas made visible
- fireCombustion with flames
- lightVisible electromagnetic radiation
- lanternEnclosed portable light
- beaconGuiding light source
glow · firelight · burning · blaze · flicker · spark · radiance · brightness
Guiding light source
- lightVisible electromagnetic radiation
- guideLeader or instruction book
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- luminaryInspiring figure or celestial body
exemplar · role model · icon · hero · muse · paragon · idol · inspiration
Formal moving line
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- OlympicOf the Games
- flameBurning gas made visible
- paradeCeremonial public procession
ritual · inauguration · opening ceremony · convocation · commemoration · pageant · festival · celebration
Early explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- vanguardForemost position or group
- forerunnerOne that comes before
- figureheadNominal leader, no authority
champion · spearhead · front-runner · pathfinder · bellwether · trendsetter · captain · harbinger
flame
Burning gas made visible
beacon · glow · firelight · burning · blaze · flicker · spark · radiance · brightness · night
beacon
Guiding light source
luminary · exemplar · role model · icon · hero · muse · paragon · idol · inspiration · visionary
procession
Formal moving line
parade · ritual · inauguration · opening ceremony · convocation · commemoration · pageant · festival · celebration · spectacle
pioneer
Early explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- vanguardForemost position or group
- forerunnerOne that comes before
figurehead · champion · spearhead · front-runner · pathfinder · bellwether · trendsetter · captain · harbinger · advocate
successor
One who replaces another
guardian · steward · protector · inheritor · tradition · mantle · passing · generation · lineage · preservation
- bearerspallbearer, cupbearer
- OlympicsOlympics, Olympic Games, Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, Olympic medal
- castle staffchamberlain, chambermaid, butler, guard, handmaiden
- leadership termscaptain, shepherd, helmsman, navigator, pilot
- Pioneerspioneer, pioneers, forerunner, trailblazer, innovator
- role modelsrole model, idol, hero, exemplar, paragon
torchbearerfollower
One who supports another
subordinate · disciple · junior · underling · rank and file