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 On one side of Weir stood Garcia and his endless exploratory guitar solos, on the other Phil Lesh and his basslines informed by his classical, jazz, and avant garde music education. — Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026 Today’s avant-gardistes are opening new addresses along rue Jean de La Fontaine, Auteuil’s main thoroughfare, that are helping reinvigorate the village while keeping its history and tradition close. — Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 The powerhouse Ukrainian avant-folk band DakhaBrakha performs July 23, and bass maestro and film composer Stanley Clarke brings his jazz fusion band 4Ever (inspired by his tenure in Chick Corea’s Return to Forever) July 25t. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for avant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant

Adjective

According to the report, the boy first developed progressive facial numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by loss of appetite, painful swallowing and vomiting.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
But its original progressive elements have not only lasted, but become the law of the entire land — from sea to shining sea.

— Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

Othram, based in The Woodlands, Texas, specializes in advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy, a method that can help investigators identify suspects or unknown victims when traditional law enforcement databases do not produce a match.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Against this backdrop, investor confidence in JCET has surged, with the company’s shares listed in Shanghai climbing 147 percent since the start of the year, driven by strong business growth and rising demand for advanced chip technologies.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Definition of advanced

Adjective

From the earliest pioneering expeditions and nighttime escapes from bondage to the modern-day road trip, Americans are a people on the move – restless, ambitious and innovative.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
This new adaptation promises to bring the pioneering adventures of the Ingalls family to a new generation, and has already been renewed for a second season.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026

Definition of pioneering

Adjective

Your unconventional ideas land better when people can experience them instead of only hearing about them.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
While seemingly an unconventional choice, Sandler, Swift and Kelce have been in each other's orbit for several years.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

In a statement, an AT&T spokesperson said modern alternatives to copper hold up better during disasters and said landline service wouldn’t be discontinued until at least June 1, 2027.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
The asymmetrical silhouette is also fresh and modern, and Quince's supple Italian nappa leather looks far more expensive than its price.

— Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of modern

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

Inside, plans call for wet and dry research labs, teaching labs, collaboration areas, offices, instructional spaces and a 130‑space underground parking garage.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Some experts — and Kennedy — argue that offering peptides through licensed compounding pharmacies would shrink this underground market and direct people toward safer products.

— Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Definition of underground

Adjective

Dubbed Camp Meeker Cabin, the project strips mountain living back to its quieter essentials, while still embracing contemporary environmental design.

— Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
The architecture is intentionally clean and contemporary, understated but elegant.

— David Caraccio Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026