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behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional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.

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

He’s also at work with a few others reviving New York avant-garde small publisher Tyrant Press.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 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

The more difficult the mountain was to climb, the more avant-garde, the better, they believed.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

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