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 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 In Rye’s place, Agar and his business partner will expand their avant garde cocktail bar, Apothecary. — Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant

Adjective

Religious groups fight back In Miami, religious activism aligning with traditionally progressive movements has been emerging in recent years.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
In making the jab, Conway became one of many aldermen — most vocally Latino and progressive City Council members — who have flagged the investment firm’s ICE ties.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

The partnership brings together two specialized manufacturing approaches as the companies pursue opportunities in research, development, process advancement and commercialization of advanced composite solutions, the press release concludes.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
Lightweight constructions and advanced fibers bring softness and movement to authentic denim aesthetics.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Definition of advanced

Adjective

Jackson, the pioneering physician after whom Jackson Memorial Hospital is named, built the cottage to house his medical practice next to his home, demolished in the 1990s, in downtown Miami.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Mike Browning, the drummer and vocalist best known for co-founding the pioneering death metal bands Morbid Angel and Nocturnus, has died.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026

Definition of pioneering

Adjective

Built to supply water to the surrounding area, the structure was transformed into a private residence in the early 1980s by local architect Doug Rucker who embraced its unconventional shape rather than alter it.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
The development is a significant step toward expanding future nuclear fuel supply through unconventional uranium resources.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Definition of unconventional

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

Earlier this month a pastor who founded one of China’s most prominent underground churches was released from prison and reunited with his family in the United States after being detained in a crackdown in China last year.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Over several decades, Tehran has developed a network of fortified bases, underground storage complexes, mobile launch systems, and layered defenses intended to make its missile force difficult to locate and destroy.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Definition of underground

Adjective

In recent years, Rome has attracted a new generation of young creatives, who have set out to blend their contemporary spirits with the Italian capital’s millennia-old history.

— Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026
These themes are not siloed to overtly evangelistic channels, like contemporary Christian radio.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026