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
Jon Burlingame, Variety, 12 Mar. 2023
The nude, floor-length frock hinted at old Hollywood, perhaps a nod to mom Janet Leigh, but with the avant-garde touch of exterior boning in the corset.
—Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Mar. 2023
Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2025
There will also be a new adaptation of Samuel Barber and Gian Carlo Menotti's opera Vanessa that will be directed by avant-garde opera director R.B. Schlather.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
Adjective
Active in avant-garde music on the European music scene, Bertelmann frequently employs prepared piano and electronics.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 12 Mar. 2023
The nude, floor-length frock hinted at old Hollywood, perhaps a nod to mom Janet Leigh, but with the avant-garde touch of exterior boning in the corset.
—Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Mar. 2023
Noun
While Barcelona is widely popular for its avant-garde food scene and beautiful beaches, Madrid—a traditional city rooted in history—remains one of my favorite places for fashion and shopping.
—Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2025
There will also be a new adaptation of Samuel Barber and Gian Carlo Menotti's opera Vanessa that will be directed by avant-garde opera director R.B. Schlather.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for avant-garde
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant-garde
Adjective
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He was seen by many as a progressive figure, speaking out on issues like climate change, refugees and unbridled capitalism.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
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The mixed messaging would presage his style as a pontiff whose doctrinal conservatism would blend with increasingly progressive public statements.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Writer-director Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, out December 25, aims to lead the latest in the fang-banging vanguard.—
Angela Watercutter,
WIRED,
25 Dec. 2024
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Katy Perry 39, received this year's video vanguard award and treated viewers to a medley of her biggest hits — plus, presumably, material from her upcoming 143 album.—
Jack Irvin,
Peoplemag,
12 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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The first-generation satellite system will include more than 3,200 advanced low-Earth orbit satellites, which will be delivered across more than 80 launches in the coming years.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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However, some experts question whether the impoverished and largely isolated nation could develop such advanced capabilities without foreign assistance.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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By downplaying riders’ fears, advocates have allowed the MTA to be framed as a lawless underground.—
David Garten,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2025
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Hannah said Iran’s secretive underground Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant and Natanz nuclear site were where Iran was caught digging tunnels in the mountains.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The mill embraces the beauty of imperfection and asymmetry in Chaos Aesthetics, a trend concept that favors expressive textures, unconventional finishes and rich tactile experiences.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
17 Apr. 2025
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The generational gap in honesty found in the survey comes amid a broader trend of unconventional job-search behaviors among younger candidates, including ghosting employers and abandoning the hiring process midway.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His tunes draw on a broad spectrum of Black American music, seamlessly encompassing blues, funk and R&B along with bebop and avant garde directions forged by Ornette Coleman (which are also steeped in the blues).—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2025
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The collection Olsen’s gown hails from was rife with avant, flowing takes on bows, whether at the shoulders of pastel dresses or at the hips of drop waist dresses or tailored jackets.—
Marissa Muller,
WWD,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Apostolic churches believe in modern day apostles and prophets, or those who claim to communicate directly with God and receive gifts of the Holy Spirit.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
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That Seguin came back is one of those modern medical marvels, but he can’t be expected to carry too much.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Photo: Dominique Ricci While Quinta da Comporta offers a serene and nature-centric retreat, Sublime Comporta brings a more upscale, contemporary experience to the region.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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But contemporary critics such as Arthur Kropp, the president in 1991 of the progressive advocacy group People for the American Way, did see the dustup as a portent way back then.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Avant-garde.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avant-garde. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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