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behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional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.

No matter how gnarly the form and finish, there’s always a whiff of the precious and the cute—or, in the case of avant-garde “sculptural” jewelry, the pretentious or vainglorious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Elon Musk’s rocket company has spent $131 million on the avant-garde truck.

From Barron's • May 30, 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 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

Indeed, it is possible to date the chasm that was to develop between the populist mainstream and the classical avant-garde in music to this place and time.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Vocabulary lists containing avant-garde

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