Synonyms for pioneer

modified

noun

1. One who prepares the way

   pathfinder, scout, explorer; see guide 1.

2. One in the vanguard of civilization

   settler, colonist, pilgrim, immigrant, colonizer, halutz, homesteader, squatter, frontiersman, backwoodsman.

3. A military engineer

   fortification engineer, member of demolition squad, bridge builder, road builder, miner, sapper, bridge monkey*, road monkey*; see also engineer 1.

verb