van

1
as in vanguard
the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts an artist who was in the van of abstract expressionism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in forefront
the leading or most important part of a movement a company that is considered by some to be in the van of the latest technology for renewable energy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 van Not bad for a volume production van from a big Indiana RV maker. New Atlas, 29 May 2025 Seven other members of their group survived the foot crossing, but only two made it to Shand’s van, which was stuck in the snow on the Minnesota side. Steve Karnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025 In 2023, the European Union set a target for all cars and vans sold by 2035 to have zero CO2 emissions, creating a windfall for BEV makers. Niamh Rowe, Quartz, 27 May 2025 Ross was initially detained by police in November 2024 after a neighbor called to report a suspicious van in the 9200 block of Jason Lane, Cook said. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for van
Recent Examples of Synonyms for van
Noun
  • Once associated with pioneer women in long dresses, Latter-day Saints are increasingly represented by a new vanguard of social media influencers.
    Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • If EVs are any augury, America’s days at technology’s vanguard might be numbered.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The Path Forward The aviation industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation.
    Stoyan Mitov, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Notably, accessibility and aging is at the forefront of its place design.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • And that song is just this crazy underground hit with all those guys.
    Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 2 June 2025
  • The film’s synopsis reads: Set in London’s iconic shadowy underground, the malevolent figure of Creep unleashes fresh terror on unsuspecting tube passengers and Londoners.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Consistent with his other boutiques, the space’s interior incorporates marble and terrazzo, paired with furnishings by celebrated artists like French Art Deco pioneer Jacques Adnet, American designer Edward Wormley and American woodworker and architect George Nakashima.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • The film explores transgender identity and legacy, chronicling the divergent paths of iconic pioneers April Ashley, Amanda Lear and others.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Van.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/van. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on van

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!