cutting-edge 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of cutting-edgenext
as in advanced
being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques his insistent tracking shots and rapid-fire pacing earned him a reputation as a cutting-edge filmmaker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cutting edge

2 of 2

noun

1
as in vanguard
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts an urban enclave that has an established reputation for being hospitable to artists who are part of the cutting edge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forefront
the leading or most important part of a movement a company that has always been on the cutting edge of the new electronic media

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cutting-edge
Adjective
By integrating digital planning, cutting-edge surgical technology, and personalized care, the practice delivers an elevated level of treatment. — Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 For the discovery section, films are chosen for including new voices that push the boundaries of contemporary cinema with cutting-edge themes and original visions. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
California companies have propelled this movement, turning what was once an old-fashioned way to save money into a booming industry at the cutting edge of style. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 After the demonstrations, the cutting edge remained intact, with no visible chipping or major edge damage. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutting-edge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting-edge
  1. advanced
  2. vanguard
  3. forefront
  4. progressive
  5. underground
  6. leading edge
  7. pioneering
  8. pioneer
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
  • 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
Noun
  • But this is an album that’s apparently about the artist’s double life, and the questions that are bound to be at the forefront of any curious listener’s mind go unaddressed.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Lewis Perkins is the President of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), an organization at the forefront of decarbonizing the apparel and footwear supply chain.
    — Lewis Perkins, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of forefront
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
  • 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
Noun
  • Recovery tech is becoming a lifestyle category, and the compression boot sits on the leading edge of it, welcomed by anyone who wants to keep moving without waking up stiff.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Woven throughout is a spotlight on SCAD students and alumni working at the leading edge of animation, motion-media design and visual effects.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of leading edge
Adjective
  • Îacaré was born in Brazil’s wild Pantanal, where the founder’s family operates a pioneering caiman operation that emphasizes transparency and traceability.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Born in Buenos Aires in 1959, Cerati rose to international prominence as the frontman, guitarist and creative force behind Soda Stereo, the pioneering band that helped define rock en español across the 1980s and ’90s.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of pioneering
Noun
  • In 1966, healthcare advocacy pioneer Ruth Ravich founded the Department of Patient Representation at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York – widely considered the beginning of the patient advocate role.
    — Jennifer Schlinger, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
  • For the milestone edition, streetwear pioneer Hiroshi Fujiwara and his Fragment Design label served as artistic directors alongside rapper Playboi Carti, shaping the festival’s products, programming and experiences.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of pioneer

Browse Nearby Words

cutting (down)
cutting-edge
cutting edge
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Cite this Entry

“Cutting-edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting-edge. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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