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
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Recent Examples of avant
With her avant-groove sensibilities and refusal to color inside the lines, Lenae represents the fearless spirit fueling R&B’s new era.
—
Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
The avant-soul album is considered a masterpiece, with Pitchfork ranking it the ninth-best album of the 2010s.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
Jim Rinnert was the longtime art director for In These Times magazine and a theater enthusiast who co-wrote an award-winning multimedia theatrical work based on the writings of avant-grade theater and cinema artist Antonin Artaud.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
The product of a multinational household — daughter of a West African percussionist and a Swedish designer, stepdaughter of avant-jazz trumpeter Don Cherry — this year's most daring Best New Artist nominee went on to join several abrasive and ear-shattering British punk bands in the early '80s.
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avant
Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
The avant-soul album is considered a masterpiece, with Pitchfork ranking it the ninth-best album of the 2010s.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
Jim Rinnert was the longtime art director for In These Times magazine and a theater enthusiast who co-wrote an award-winning multimedia theatrical work based on the writings of avant-grade theater and cinema artist Antonin Artaud.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
The product of a multinational household — daughter of a West African percussionist and a Swedish designer, stepdaughter of avant-jazz trumpeter Don Cherry — this year's most daring Best New Artist nominee went on to join several abrasive and ear-shattering British punk bands in the early '80s.
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant
Adjective
-
Soon, this recognition stretched to include representational painting by younger Black artists, as museums, galleries, and collectors still more clearly signaled their progressive intent.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
Still, Cepeda and Petro have maintained strong support among many Colombians because of progressive policies advanced under Petro, such as boosting the minimum wage.—
Megan Janetsky,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Venice senior Lawrence Kensinger, who set the City Section shot put record with a state-leading throw of 65 feet 11 inches last week, had the third-best mark at prelims (59-6¾) and easily advanced to the finals.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Several of the advanced weapons systems the battleships are intended to field remain in development; the Navy hasn’t yet shown they can be integrated successfully onto a ship.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the years since its release, it has become known as a pioneering American cookbook.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2026
-
Dylan’s custom Fender Stratocaster reflects both his extraordinary creativity and the pioneering spirit of the American guitar maker.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Pratt, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the race’s most unconventional and unpredictable candidates.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
-
Last year, Smith acknowledged the artsy small city is an unconventional place to find world-class pizza.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
As with the rest of the hotel, rooms and suites blend extreme comfort and modern convenience with antique beauty, atmosphere and brilliant art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Heritage varieties act as a genetic backup library, offering traits that modern breeding programs may need to draw on later.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
His legacy of creating avant-garde timepieces lives on in the growing popularity of vintage Patek Philippe watches on gold mesh bracelets.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
-
His youngest child, Gertrude Stein, would become a legend, a leading figure of literary modernism, possibly the only female avant-garde writer in the world to have her name up in lights in Times Square.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
While the men managed to keep up their spirits, being underground for more than 10 days took an understandable physical toll.—
Kocha Olarn,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Crews also will be replacing underground utilities, and constructing curbs and gutters, between 16th Street and 24th Street in Fruitland, and between 3rd Avenue and 6th Avenue in Payette, the release said.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Kwok moved across categories, from emerging contemporary artists to established modern and post-war works, building a broad and informed perspective.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
The contemporary dance troupe closes out a 20-year run with its final three hometown shows, including works by choreographers Fernando Magadan, Cayetano Soto, Joan Rodriguez, Richard Siegal and Trey McIntyre.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Avant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avant. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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