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Synonyms

groundbreaker

American  
[ground-brey-ker] / ˈgraʊndˌbreɪ kər /

noun

  1. a person who is an originator, innovator, or pioneer in a particular activity.

  2. an original idea, product, or the like that leads to or makes possible further developments, growth, improvements, etc.


Etymology

Origin of groundbreaker

ground 1 + breaker 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“Louis was a groundbreaker, a brilliant, kind man, and an incendiary presence on screen. Each of us was lucky to have him.”

From Seattle Times Mar. 29, 2024

Wallace seeks to be known as a championship driver along with a groundbreaker.

From Washington Times Sep. 1, 2023

How do you measure the legacy of someone who is a groundbreaker?

From BBC Apr. 27, 2022

Her appeal as a sympathetic groundbreaker is what drives audiences to roar at her entrance onstage, before she’s even danced a step.

From Washington Post Apr. 11, 2022

“Janet is a groundbreaker who’s always carved her own path,” Brian Wright, the head of overall deals, wrote in an email.

From New York Times Apr. 30, 2021

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