The term "avant-gardes" refers to individuals or ideas that are ahead of their time, pushing boundaries and innovating in their respective fields. Antonyms for this word would represent the opposite, typically being conservative or traditional in nature. Some possible antonyms for "avant-gardes" could include terms such as mainstream, conventional, traditional, or uncreative. These words describe ideas or individuals that are more aligned with the status quo rather than pioneering something new. While these ideas may not be as groundbreaking, they still have value and can provide stability in a rapidly changing world.