AVANT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

avant

adjective

ˈä-ˌvän(t)

Definition of avant

as in progressive

being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques readers of this very avant novel should not expect to find much in the way of traditional narrative structure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of avant Today’s avant-gardistes are opening new addresses along rue Jean de La Fontaine, Auteuil’s main thoroughfare, that are helping reinvigorate the village while keeping its history and tradition close. — Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 For electronic music that is just as awe-inducing, there’s the ambient-pop artist Laurel Halo (Pioneer Works; June 25), the eclectic avant-rap producer Flying Lotus, playing with a live band (Blue Note; July 8-9), and the psychedelic composer Dan Deacon (Pioneer Works; July 31). — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 Since 1962 the same family has owned and run Aimo e Nadia, featuring avant garden cuisine. — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Top of the News This ambitious fine dining restaurant’s tasting menu has an eye toward avant garde visuals, but the progression of courses is high octane. — Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant

Adjective

The false polling data from Wedgewood Polls consistently favored Democrats, particularly progressive candidates.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
The tension between conservative and progressive Methodists had been simmering for years.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
This week, Ukraine also did not receive advanced warning from partners of incoming ballistic missiles, resulting in civilian deaths, according to Ukrainian officials.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of advanced

Adjective

Auchincloss compares it to the pioneering clinical trial model that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation built in the 1990s to study the disease.

— Gerry Smith, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
As with their neighbors to the south, residents of Canada’s western prairie and mountain provinces take pride in a pioneering spirit and rugged independence that have enabled them to prosper in often harsh terrain.

— the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of pioneering

Adjective

Fashion brands have been experimenting with livelier and more unconventional footwear designs in general lately, and that means interesting uses of color.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
While Aardvark hinted at Sakurai’s appetite for the unconventional, The Eric Andre Show pushed that instinct further, cementing an approach that continues to inform his work.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Advertisement China itself offers the greatest modern demonstration of what technological diffusion can accomplish.

— Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
Indeed, even after modern jeans were invented in the late 19th century, denim continued to be used to make such apparel as work jackets, prison uniforms, naval fatigues, and jumpsuits.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The Little Review was an avant-garde literary magazine founded by Margaret Anderson in 1914 and published out of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
While the Kitchen had increasingly opened its doors to fusions of minimalism and rock music practiced by fellow downtown composers like Rhys Chatham, the avant-garde had not cottoned onto disco.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 27 June 2026

Definition of avant-garde

Adjective

Deep underground, iron-rich rocks could hold the key to producing hydrogen at a fraction of the cost of conventional fuels.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
Additionally, the estate includes elevator service to all three floors, 25-yard lap pool, outdoor kitchen, veranda with stone fireplace and underground seven-car garage with Tesla charging station.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of underground

Adjective

Nobody Wants This is back for a third season of dancing around the real issues of contemporary Judaism in America so that maybe Kristen Bell’s convert character Joanne can learn about hamantaschen rather than have one political conversation.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Its concept connects nostalgic dance music with contemporary party culture, creating a record designed to encourage movement and audience participation.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026