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 contest was a contentious, generational and intra-party battle between Matsui, who has represented the region since 2005, and Vang, a progressive member of the Sacramento City Council.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

Most of Polson's papers focus on advanced statistics and mathematics, though some touch on topics of broader interest.

— TODD WALLACK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Within this framework, advanced radar systems serve as a critical component by providing information about potential aerial activity.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of advanced

Adjective

Still, Pauley understood what Walters meant — and why the words carried so much weight coming from the pioneering broadcaster.

— Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026
Valerie Vargas founded the pioneering group in 2002, back when San Antonio’s all-female mariachi scene was still small.

— Zoey Goto, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of pioneering

Adjective

Together, these developments enable engineers to improve performance, capacity, and efficiency across modern electronics.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
In the heritage rooms, the mood is more bright and airy though still quite modern.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 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

The property has repeatedly refreshed guest rooms, restaurants, and public spaces to stay contemporary while anchoring itself in Cayman’s culture and beach heritage.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Chanel wasn’t just a sponsor—the brand’s creative director Matthieu Blazy, a true contemporary art head, chaired the whole thing alongside artists Rosemarie Trockel and Carrie Mae Weems.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026