Avant
Prefix meaning forward
Avant is a French word meaning "before" or "forward," borrowed into English almost exclusively in compounds.
Avant-garde refers to innovative or experimental art, ideas, or people at the forefront of a movement.
Avant appears occasionally in fashion and design contexts to suggest cutting-edge style: The collection had an avant sensibility.
Prior in time
- precedingComing before in order
- priorExisting before another
- forwardOnward in direction
- prePrefix signifying beforehand
earlier · previously · antecedent · preliminary · prelude · precursor · forerunner · anticipatory
Testing new methods
- modernismFavoring contemporary approaches
- surrealismIrrational, dreamlike aesthetic
- DadaAbsurdist artistic rebellion
- abstractCondensed version of text
movement · manifesto · provocative · revolutionary · unconventional · expressionism · cubism · Bauhaus
Custom high-fashion design
- runwayPaved path for planes
- experimentalTesting new methods
- cutting-edgeAt innovation's forefront
- trendsetterOne who initiates styles
designer · edgy · unconventional · progressive · bold · innovative · modernist · chic
before
Prior in time
pre · earlier · previously · antecedent · preliminary · prelude · precursor · forerunner · anticipatory · preparatory
experimental
Testing new methods
- modernismFavoring contemporary approaches
- surrealismIrrational, dreamlike aesthetic
- DadaAbsurdist artistic rebellion
abstract · movement · manifesto · provocative · revolutionary · unconventional · expressionism · cubism · Bauhaus · radical
couture
Custom high-fashion design
- runwayPaved path for planes
- experimentalTesting new methods
- cutting-edgeAt innovation's forefront
trendsetter · designer · edgy · unconventional · progressive · bold · innovative · modernist · chic · statement
guard
Watchful defensive attention
- forwardOnward in direction
- scoutOne who reconnoiters
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
spearhead · frontline · patrol · point · lead · formation · flank · column · detachment · battalion
Avantrearguard
Troops protecting retreating forces
traditional · conventional · conservative · reactionary · mainstream
- avant gardeArtistically innovative movement
- avant-garde writingBoundary-pushing literary work
- avant-garde artRadically innovative creative expression
- avant-garde theaterInnovative, nontraditional stage performance
- avant-garde designsRadical, forward-looking creative work
- avant-garde musicBoundary-defying sonic innovation