pioneer

n

1. frontiersman, backwoodsman, settler, homesteader; pathfinder, trailbreaker, trailblazer, explorer, paver of the way; scout, guide, point; forerunner, antecedent, precursor, predecessor, foregoer; outrider, front or lead runner, vaunt-courier, avant-courier.

2. innovator, groundbreaker, avant-gardist; pacesetter, pacemaker, trend-setter, leader.

3. combat engineer, engineer, U.S. Navy. Seabee, Brit. sapper.

v

4. initiate, instigate, actuate, set off, set in motion, trigger, start the ball rolling, ring up the curtain on; open, take the first step, take the initiative, take the lead, take the plunge, make a start, break the ice, lead off, lead the way, blaze the trail; institute, inaugurate, found, establish, set up, organize, originate, break ground, lay the first stone, lay the foundation; introduce, launch, broach, usher in.

5. guide, conduct, lead, marshal, usher, escort, convoy.

adj

6. initiatory, initial, initiating, initiative, introductory, inaugural; creative, formative, drawing-board.