avant-garde 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of avant-gardenext
as in progressive
being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques a very avant-garde artist whose works wouldn't even be considered art by many traditionalists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

avant-garde

2 of 2

noun

ˌä-ˌvän(t)-ˈgärd How to pronounce avant-garde (audio)
as in vanguard
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts to the theater world's avant-garde, the melodrama seemed like a very old-fashioned play whose time had come and gone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of avant-garde
Adjective
The avant-garde legend is seen sitting in a kitchen alongside Martin Scorsese and Marc Jacobs — each one representing a component of music, fashion, and film. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 Part of it was because Williams designed what his clients wanted rather than adhering to a strict aesthetic code, so he wasn’t considered an avant-garde architect. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026
Noun
For his fourth feature, Post Tenebras Lux, Reygadas took a major detour toward the avant-garde and the personal, in a move that garnered him some detractors while pleasing his more hardcore fans. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026 Each nail boasted its own playful pattern, an avant-garde technique largely favored by the younger generations. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant-garde
  1. progressive
  2. vanguard
  3. advanced
  4. underground
  5. unconventional
  6. pioneering
  7. avant
  8. modern
Adjective
  • Because the movie shies away from condemnation, it has been labeled by some as a MAGA film for supposedly demonizing progressive Norway and making the conservative Gheorghius the victims.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This ingredient targets the hormonal driver behind progressive thinning.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of progressive
Noun
  • The masthead means to identify vanguard critics, poets, and authors for a lively new readership.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Madonna, host Snoop Dogg and this year’s video vanguard recipient Nirvana also have strong appeal to an older demo.
    — Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of vanguard
Adjective
  • Scandium’s role in aerospace and advanced technology Rare earth separation involves converting mixed material into individual oxides used across advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Scotti has tried to find out from Fort Worth police if advanced DNA technology, known as forensic genetic genealogy, might move Gloria’s case forward.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of advanced
Noun
  • Most Read Reviews Appropriately enough for two musicians working at the cutting edge of this underground, Bowery Electric’s Martha Schwendener and Lawrence Chandler met while working at pre-fab master Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Quaise plans to direct that energy underground to heat rock intensely enough to remove it, replacing the mechanical cutting action of conventional drill bits.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • As with their other current CBS hit Elsbeth — and unlike their more creatively unconventional streaming shows The Good Fight and Evil — Cupertino sands down some of the Kings’ jagged edges, aiming for something cuter.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • He was known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex or unconventional characters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • The vehicle, which was sold in North America as an Acura model, paired a pioneering all-aluminum body with a potent V-Tech V-6 that made nearly 300 hp.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mariyam’s story comes through the perspective of her lawyer, Marlo Cadeddu, a pioneering female defense attorney who was part of some of the most significant cases in the war on terror.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of pioneering
Adjective
  • British avant-techno producer Actress has returned with his first new solo album in two years.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
  • Fifteen years have passed since Parts & Labor last released an album, and the Brooklyn avant-rock band has time on its mind.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 10 July 2026
Definition of avant
Adjective
  • Today, the hotel remains a grand dame of Milan, offering a perfect mix of old-world luxury with modern amenities, all delivered through impeccable hospitality.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • All four getting in is probably impossible; even three Best Picture nominations for a single studio is extremely rare in the modern era.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of modern

Browse Nearby Words

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avant-garde
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Cite this Entry

“Avant-garde.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avant-garde. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on avant-garde

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about avant-garde

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