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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for avant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avant

Adjective

The idea that criminals could serve sentences behind bars was a more progressive approach to justice in comparison.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Vang, 41, is one of several younger and progressive challengers seeking to oust longtime incumbents across the country.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
This week, Ukraine also did not receive advanced warning from partners of incoming ballistic missiles, resulting in civilian deaths, according to Ukrainian officials.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of advanced

Adjective

Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Although driver engagement has long been central to the 911 experience, the realities of modern automotive development are making manual transmissions a rare commodity.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 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

Deep underground, iron-rich rocks could hold the key to producing hydrogen at a fraction of the cost of conventional fuels.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
Additionally, the estate includes elevator service to all three floors, 25-yard lap pool, outdoor kitchen, veranda with stone fireplace and underground seven-car garage with Tesla charging station.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of underground

Adjective

After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.

— Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
This dynamic comes through the mill’s fabric families like D’enovated, which applies contemporary constructions, comfort stretch and a broad spectrum of indigo shades to authentic-looking denim.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026