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behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional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.

By 1974, it was Tchaikovsky one moment and a wonderfully crazy avant-garde opera the next.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

I was amazed that a composition could be so unusual, haunting and distinctly of its time, while remaining so utterly removed from the accepted strictures of any recognized avant-garde.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 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

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

Vocabulary lists containing avant-garde

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Persepolis

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Foreign Words and Phrases Commonly Used in English, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!