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behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional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.

Without even seeing a single garment, his style is clear: avant-garde, grunge and very rock ’n’ roll.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Meanwhile, avant-garde heavy rockers Deftones became unexpected TikTok darlings and arena stars.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

There is an avant-garde feel to much of the work here.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 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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