as in progressive
being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques
a very avant-garde artist whose works wouldn't even be considered art by many traditionalists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in vanguard
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts
to the theater world's avant-garde, the melodrama seemed like a very old-fashioned play whose time had come and gone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of avant-garde
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
Permanent and temporary exhibitions delve into the art of moviemaking, director spotlights, avant-garde filmmakers, and other aspects of the filmmaking world.
—Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Meg Walters, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
In one-of-a-kind high-jewelry chokers and necklaces, the design is rendered in black diamond-like carbon, or DLC—a high-tech material known for its exceptional hardness and scratch-resistance that is often used in watchmaking—and combined with diamonds and yellow gold for an avant-garde look.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
Adjective
In one-of-a-kind high-jewelry chokers and necklaces, the design is rendered in black diamond-like carbon, or DLC—a high-tech material known for its exceptional hardness and scratch-resistance that is often used in watchmaking—and combined with diamonds and yellow gold for an avant-garde look.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
Permanent and temporary exhibitions delve into the art of moviemaking, director spotlights, avant-garde filmmakers, and other aspects of the filmmaking world.
—Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
Julia Fox certainly knows how to pull off an unforgettable look that is equal parts artfully avant-garde and daring.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
In one-of-a-kind high-jewelry chokers and necklaces, the design is rendered in black diamond-like carbon, or DLC—a high-tech material known for its exceptional hardness and scratch-resistance that is often used in watchmaking—and combined with diamonds and yellow gold for an avant-garde look.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant-garde
Adjective
-
Jackson was hospitalized in November and later diagnosed with a degenerative condition called progressive supranuclear palsy, CBS News reported.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Feb. 2026
-
A day after the election, the National Anti-Corruption Commission found 44 progressive opposition lawmakers guilty for trying to amend lese majeste.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The once-insurgent vanguards who cast their first votes for Barack Obama have relinquished their cool factor to Gen Z, who will one day undergo the same process themselves as time continues its relentless march forward.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Founded in 2010, Big Health, which makes cognitive behavioral therapy apps to treat anxiety and insomnia, was among the original vanguard of digital therapeutics companies.—
Mario Aguilar,
STAT,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The most advanced pediatric care in the state is provided at the Medical University of South Carolina’s campus in Charleston, several hours away from the Upstate on the coast.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The scramble for vaccines, in which advanced economies quickly gobbled up urgent pandemic supplies, highlighted the need for local drug manufacturing.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the concept of finding naturally occurring stores of hydrogen underground is relatively new, Johnson said the process of drilling and producing hydrogen wells is well established science and uses the same rigs used to drill for natural gas.—
Cami Koons,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Montreal’s underground is the RÉSO.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The internationally famous doughnut shop, which is known not only for its bold and unconventional creations but also for hosting nontraditional wedding ceremonies, has opened in Wynwood, with the flavors that have transformed it from a cult favorite to a megahit across the country.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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Late last month, Hudson pulled off an unconventional styling trick for a London outing.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The fossils are destined for the Museum of the River, a pioneering zero-energy facility currently under construction in Niamey, the capital.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
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Since emerging from San Francisco as a pioneering Afro-Latin-blues-rock force, Santana has created a signature sound that has resonated across generations.—
Charlie Vargas,
Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And Gamson’s college buddy Fred Maher, a drummer for Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and the avant-funk band Material, who, like Gartside, saw how the new electronic pop was surpassing the musical adventurousness of his old post-punk comfort zone.—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
15 Feb. 2026
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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
Adjective
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This level of coordination effectively marries ancient Chinese martial arts with modern precision engineering.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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Analysts say the result could mean more stability for modern day Thailand, which has had three prime ministers in as many years and a 20-year cycle of military coups, violent street protests and paralyzing political instability.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Avant-garde.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avant-garde. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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