avant-garde

[uh-vahnt-gahrd, uh-vant-, av-ahnt-, ah-vahnt-, a-vahn-gard] / əˌvɑntˈgɑrd, əˌvænt-, ˌæv ɑnt-, ˌɑ vɑnt-, a vɑ̃ˈgard /

ADJECTIVE

cutting-edge

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advanced ahead of its time cutting-edge experimental groundbreaking innovative innovatory inventive leading-edge modern new new-wave original pioneering progressive revolutionary state-of-the-art trailblazing ultramodern unorthodox

STRONG

daring forward-looking forward-thinking hip last-word nonconformist off the beaten path radical

WEAK

Bohemian offbeat unconventional unfamiliar unorthodox untraditional way-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional

STRONG

conservative moderate

WEAK

conventional

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He spoke to The Times about L.A.’s tense climate for avant-garde nightlife, what Gen Z wants from extreme noise and how to be a good custodian of underground music history.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Sander’s involvement with the avant-garde Cologne Progressives and New Objectivity art movements explains the extent of “The Artists”; most of the subjects in this section are not only characterized but named.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

The pieces he saw inspired him to bring a younger perspective and informed his more avant-garde take on the assignment .

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

“I was always attracted to both the avant-garde stuff and the square stuff,” he explained.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Albert Ayler was an amazing, avant-garde saxophonist known only to the most die-hard jazz enthusiasts.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

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