Synonyms:
- 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