vanguard
Those who pioneer
The vanguard is the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force—the troops at the front who encounter the enemy first.
By extension, vanguard refers to the leading position in any movement, field, or trend: artists at the vanguard of modernism, researchers at the vanguard of cancer treatment.
The term implies pioneering status and forward momentum, suggesting those who break new ground while others follow.
The company positioned itself at the vanguard of sustainable technology.
One that comes before
- trendsetterOne who initiates styles
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- groundbreakerInnovator, first to act
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
initiator · catalyst · champion · herald · precursor · spearhead · leader · pioneer
Combat's forward position
- scoutsInformation gatherers ahead
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- spearheadLead an effort
- assaultViolent offensive act
formation · column · detachment · troops
At innovation's forefront
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- trailblazingBeing the first through
- leading edgeForemost position in development
- forefrontMost prominent position
forerunner
One that comes before
- trendsetterOne who initiates styles
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- groundbreakerInnovator, first to act
visionary · initiator · catalyst · champion · herald · precursor · spearhead · leader · pioneer · pathfinder
frontline
Combat's forward position
- scoutsInformation gatherers ahead
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- spearheadLead an effort
assault · formation · column · detachment · troops
cutting-edge
At innovation's forefront
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- trailblazingBeing the first through
- leading edgeForemost position in development
forefront · groundbreaking · innovative · progressive · trendsetting
- rankingsrankings, first, college rankings, second, third
- trailblazerstrailblazers, pioneers, innovators, groundbreakers, forerunners
- war participantssoldiers, troops, armies, army, combatants
- leadership termscaptain, shepherd, helmsman, navigator, pilot
- Pioneerspioneer, pioneers, forerunner, trailblazer, innovator
- trendsetterstrendsetter, trendsetters, influencer, fashionistas, style icons
vanguardrearguard
Troops protecting retreating forces
rear · rear guard · back · tail · tail end
vanguardold guard
Conservative faction within organization
establishment · traditionalists · conservatives · reactionaries · mainstream
vanguardfollowers
People who support someone
rank and file · masses · hangers-on · stragglers · adherents