cutting-edge 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of cutting-edgenext
as in advanced
being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques his insistent tracking shots and rapid-fire pacing earned him a reputation as a cutting-edge filmmaker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cutting edge

2 of 2

noun

1
as in vanguard
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts an urban enclave that has an established reputation for being hospitable to artists who are part of the cutting edge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forefront
the leading or most important part of a movement a company that has always been on the cutting edge of the new electronic media

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cutting-edge
Adjective
This cutting-edge system allows the ship to access even the world’s most environmentally sensitive areas like Norway’s World Heritage fjords. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026 Chinese tech firms showcased advances in chipmaking, despite US curbs on access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
But Roman won’t be on the cutting edge for long, because NASA is already designing the next space telescope. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Los Gatos High School teacher David Homa has been on the cutting edge of classroom technology for years. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutting-edge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting-edge
  1. advanced
  2. vanguard
  3. forefront
  4. progressive
  5. underground
  6. leading edge
  7. pioneering
  8. pioneer
Adjective
  • But more recently, many EA thinkers have focused their concerns on the possibility of existential risks from advanced AI and other potential societal-scale disasters such as nuclear war, climate change and pandemics.
    — Katie McQue, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Restrictions on access to the most advanced chips because of US export controls, coupled with smaller capital markets, have pushed Chinese developers toward open models as a way to compete with leading US proprietary systems.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of advanced
Noun
  • Madonna, host Snoop Dogg and this year’s video vanguard recipient Nirvana also have strong appeal to an older demo.
    — Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Nasty Gal was once at the buzzy vanguard of fashion, successfully targeting young shoppers with new online sales techniques.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of vanguard
Noun
  • In this discussion, taxation and revenue are often at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
    — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • During this time, the Air Max 95 has also been subject to a series of elaborate twists since the model’s 30th anniversary brought it into the forefront.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of forefront
Adjective
  • The actor is outspoken about his progressive politics and works closely with many different organizations.
    — Carole Horst, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, a Chinese immigrant and chair of the Board of Supervisors’ budget committee, is a progressive backed by labor whose campaign received a major boost from Pelosi’s endorsement.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of progressive
Noun
  • The satellites chase each other in orbit to measure gravitational shifts in water mass, both on land and underground.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Mazama Energy has raised $135 million to accelerate the commercial development of superhot rock geothermal energy, a technology designed to produce large amounts of reliable, carbon-free electricity from extreme heat underground.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of underground
Noun
  • Recovery tech is becoming a lifestyle category, and the compression boot sits on the leading edge of it, welcomed by anyone who wants to keep moving without waking up stiff.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Woven throughout is a spotlight on SCAD students and alumni working at the leading edge of animation, motion-media design and visual effects.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of leading edge
Adjective
  • Îacaré was born in Brazil’s wild Pantanal, where the founder’s family operates a pioneering caiman operation that emphasizes transparency and traceability.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Born in Buenos Aires in 1959, Cerati rose to international prominence as the frontman, guitarist and creative force behind Soda Stereo, the pioneering band that helped define rock en español across the 1980s and ’90s.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of pioneering
Noun
  • The startup, founded by AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, is building AI models for creating virtual 3D environments frequently used in humanoid robot development.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • State historian Doane Robinson wanted to create a monument to the Old West, featuring both pioneers and Native leaders, to attract tourists.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pioneer

Browse Nearby Words

cutting (down)
cutting-edge
cutting edge
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Cite this Entry

“Cutting-edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting-edge. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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