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
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Recent Examples of van
The force of peak winds within Effingham city limits threw a delivery van approximately 150 yards.
—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Design There’s no denying the VLE’s overwhelming van-ness.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
The one about the Rivian vans that Amazon uses that have been wired to turn off the air conditioner after between like 10 minutes or 30 seconds, depending if the driver is out of the seat.
—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome, and parking includes a space for accessible vehicles/vans, ramp access for wheelchairs, and an unobstructed path to the lobby entrance.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for van
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Design There’s no denying the VLE’s overwhelming van-ness.
—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
The one about the Rivian vans that Amazon uses that have been wired to turn off the air conditioner after between like 10 minutes or 30 seconds, depending if the driver is out of the seat.
—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome, and parking includes a space for accessible vehicles/vans, ramp access for wheelchairs, and an unobstructed path to the lobby entrance.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for van
Recent Examples of Synonyms for van
Noun
-
Columbia waded into the rock vanguard after Davis attended the Monterey International Pop Festival in June 1967 at the behest of its organizer Lou Adler, whose Ode Records was distributed by CBS.
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Linklater was a vanguard of the indie film movement of the 1990s.
Noun
-
This initiative signals a growing recognition in secular and corporate circles for placing moral concerns at the forefront of AI development, moving beyond unchecked techno-optimism.
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DeSantis has been at the forefront in backing federal immigration authorities in rounding up migrants for deportation.
Noun
-
Invisible hands strap her legs onto the stirrups, an iron fist plunging her through a tunneling, gravity‑bending, black underground.
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When oil wells are shut in, the pressure underground can become imbalanced, deforming the underlying structure.
Noun
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William Arruda is a keynote speaker, personal branding pioneer, and Senior Contributor to Forbes.
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The whole opening of the film pays homage to those pioneers of cinema.
Cite this Entry
“Van.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/van. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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