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behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional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.

“Another Dimension” is his answer to the years of rejection, pain and incandescent ire, but transmuted into a vibrant, avant-garde, genre-defying gaping wound found within 11 tight tracks.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

Perec was a member of Oulipo, an avant-garde circle of writers and mathematicians who believed that arbitrary rules imposed in advance of writing were the path to creative discovery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Without even seeing a single garment, his style is clear: avant-garde, grunge and very rock ’n’ roll.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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

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