Vanguards of conquest, a phrase associated with warfare and conquest, can be substituted with several other words that hold similar meanings. For instance, the word "pioneers" can be used to describe the first group of people who venture into unknown lands in order to conquer and establish a new territory. "Avant-gardes" is another term that connotes innovation and experimentation, traits necessary in war tactics. "Front-runners" is another phrase that can be used for vanguards of conquest, which suggests the people or group that pushes ahead of others to achieve victory. All of these synonyms reinforce the idea of a strategic group leading the charge towards a shared goal.