Recurring crossword clue · multiple possible answers

Forefront crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 20, 2026

Best starting answer

Start with VAN for three letters, LEAD or HEAD for four, FRONT for five, VANGUARD for eight, and SPEARHEAD for nine. Technology or innovation wording may require CUTTINGEDGE or LEADINGEDGE.

Forefront answers by length

The correct fill depends on the number of squares, crossing letters, and the sense intended by the setter.

3 letters

VANThe forefront or leading part of an army, movement, or cultural group.

TIPThe extreme end or foremost point of something.

4 letters

FOREThe front or forward part, especially of a ship or position.

HEADThe front, top, or leading position of a line or group.

LEADThe foremost position, advantage, or role of guiding others.

EDGEThe advanced boundary or cutting edge of a field or activity.

5 letters

FRONTThe foremost part, side, or leading position.

POINTThe forward tip, sharp end, or leading position of an advance.

7 letters

ADVANCEThe forward or leading part of a movement or force.

PIONEERA person or group at the forefront of a new field or method.

8 letters

VANGUARDThe leading position or foremost group in a movement or field.

FRONTIERThe outer limit or forefront of knowledge, research, or development.

9 letters

SPEARHEADThe person, group, or force leading an activity or movement.

FRONTLINEThe most active, advanced, or exposed position in an effort or conflict.

HIGHLIGHTBring something into prominence or make it a focus of attention.

SPOTLIGHTPlace something at the forefront of public notice and attention.

10 letters

FOREGROUNDThe most prominent position, or the act of bringing something forward in attention.

AVANTGARDEPeople or work at the innovative forefront of art, ideas, or culture.

11 letters

CUTTINGEDGEThe most advanced, innovative, or leading position in a field.

LEADINGEDGEThe foremost or most advanced position, especially in technology and research.

Meanings to check

The extreme front, head, tip, fore, leading edge, or foremost physical part.
The lead or position of greatest importance, prominence, or activity.
The van, vanguard, spearhead, front line, or pioneering group of a movement.
The cutting edge, leading edge, frontier, or avant-garde of innovation and ideas.
Something foregrounded, highlighted, spotlighted, or brought to public attention.

Common Forefront clue variants

forefront 3 letters crossword clue

VAN is the established three-letter answer for the leading part of an army or movement; TIP fits when the clue points to the extreme physical point.

VAN3 lettersTIP3 letters

forefront 4 letters crossword clue

Four-letter choices separate a front position from a physical forward part or advanced edge, so crossings distinguish LEAD, HEAD, FORE, and EDGE.

FORE4 lettersHEAD4 lettersLEAD4 lettersEDGE4 letters

at the forefront crossword clue

A leadership or movement context favors a word for the leading position or group rather than the literal front of an object.

VAN3 lettersLEAD4 lettersFRONT5 lettersVANGUARD8 lettersSPEARHEAD9 lettersFRONTLINE9 letters

technological forefront crossword clue

Technology and innovation wording points to the advanced boundary of a field, from a short EDGE to FRONTIER, VANGUARD, AVANTGARDE, or a longer edge phrase.

EDGE4 lettersVANGUARD8 lettersFRONTIER8 lettersAVANTGARDE10 lettersCUTTINGEDGE11 lettersLEADINGEDGE11 letters

bring to the forefront crossword clue

A verb clue about making something prominent asks for an action that raises it in attention rather than a noun naming the leading position.

HIGHLIGHT9 lettersSPOTLIGHT9 lettersFOREGROUND10 letters