vanguard
[noun]
Synonyms: forerunners, cutting edge, forefront, front line, leaders, spearhead, trailblazers, trendsetters, van

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

van‧guard /ˈvænɡɑːd $ -ɡɑːrd/ noun
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: avangarde, from avant-garde; ⇒ avant-garde]

1. in/at the vanguard (of something) in the most advanced position of development:
The shop has always been in the vanguard of London fashion trends.

2. the vanguard the leading position at the front of an army or group of ships moving into battle, or the soldiers who are in this position

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲