Synonyms and related words :
be the bellwether, beacon, break ground, break the ice, create, epitomize, exemplify, fit the pattern, get ahead of, get before, go before, guide, have the start, head, head the line, head up, initiate, invent, lap, lead, lead off, lead the dance, light the way, originate, outstrip, pace, pioneer, precede, set an example, set the pace, spearhead, stand first, take the initiative, take the lead, take the plunge