avant
Prefix meaning experimental
Avant is French for "before" or "forward," appearing in English mainly as a prefix in borrowed compounds.
Avant-garde names artists or movements at the experimental forefront of their fields.
Avant-courier (rare) means a forerunner.
Standing alone, avant appears occasionally in fashion or art contexts to signal cutting-edge style: The collection was very avant.
Most prominent position
- pioneersFirst to explore territory
- trailblazersThose who open territory
- forerunnersThose preceding others
- pathfindersThose who discover routes
spearhead · frontline · groundbreakers · innovators · precursors · harbingers · scouts · leadership
At innovation's forefront
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- unorthodoxContrary to accepted practice
- boundary-pushingExceeding accepted limits
nonconformist · alternative · artistic · abstract · conceptual · surrealist · modernist · postmodern
Custom high-fashion design
- designerOne who plans appearances
- runwayPaved path for planes
- hauteFrench for high
- chicTasteful, current flair
stylish · trendsetting · futuristic · deconstructed · asymmetrical · streetwear · editorial · statement
Adventurous courage
- boldCourageous and daring
- risqueBordering on improper
- provocativeMeant to provoke response
- shockingCausing intense surprise
audacious · brazen · controversial · defiant · rebellious · raw · gritty · intense
forefront
Most prominent position
- pioneersFirst to explore territory
- trailblazersThose who open territory
- forerunnersThose preceding others
pathfinders · spearhead · frontline · groundbreakers · innovators · precursors · harbingers · scouts · leadership · originators
cutting-edge
At innovation's forefront
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- unorthodoxContrary to accepted practice
boundary-pushing · nonconformist · alternative · artistic · abstract · conceptual · surrealist · modernist · postmodern · cubist
couture
Custom high-fashion design
chic · stylish · trendsetting · futuristic · deconstructed · asymmetrical · streetwear · editorial · statement · bold
daring
Adventurous courage
- boldCourageous and daring
- risqueBordering on improper
- provocativeMeant to provoke response
shocking · audacious · brazen · controversial · defiant · rebellious · raw · gritty · intense · confrontational
- 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