n. 25B6; noun
the pioneers of the Wild West : SETTLER, colonist, colonizer, frontiersman/woman, explorer, trailblazer. See list at explorer .
a pioneer of motoring : DEVELOPER, innovator, trailblazer, ground-breaker, spearhead; founder, founding father, architect, creator.
25B6; verb he pioneered the sale of insurance : INTRODUCE, develop, evolve, launch, instigate, initiate, spearhead, institute, establish, found, be the father/mother of, originate, set in motion, create; lay the groundwork, prepare the way, blaze a trail, break new ground.