pioneer vs explore

pioneer is a noun but explore is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
pioneer	Yes	No	Yes	No
explore	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, explore is a hypernym of pioneer; that is, explore is a word with a broader meaning than pioneer:

pioneer (noun)	explore (noun)
one of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

pioneer (verb)	explore (verb)
open up and explore a new area	inquire into
open up an area or prepare a way	travel to or penetrate into
take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of	inquire into a subject in detail
	examine (organs) for diagnostic purposes