van

1 the innovators of new concepts, styles, and techniques especially in the arts <an artist who was in the van of abstract expressionism> Synonyms cutting edge, avant-garde, vanguardRelated Words underground; avant-gardist, forerunner, pioneer, precursor, trailblazerNear Antonyms establishment, old guard

2 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 cutting edge, front line, leading edge, forefront, vanguardRelated Words spearhead