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Showing results for avant-garde. Search instead for avant-gardes.
Definitions

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behind the times old-fashioned orthodox outdated traditional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.

Meanwhile, avant-garde heavy rockers Deftones became unexpected TikTok darlings and arena stars.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

And the comparison to Bowie’s West German sojourn is apt: working with his producers, Styles has clearly immersed himself in the avant-garde, taking chances, and embracing idiosyncrasy.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

At Mrs. Riley’s boardinghouse, Ryui is taken under the wing of Torajiro “Jack” Baba, a cynical photographer with an avant-garde aesthetic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Huppert said of avant-garde German filmmaker Ottinger that "you want to follow her vision, her craziness".

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

This officially confirmed their outsider status and made me an enemy of the avant-garde.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.