Synonyms of van

van

noun

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

• vanguard
• underground
• pioneer
• cutting edge
• avant-garde
• precursor
• forerunner
• trailblazer
• avant-gardist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• establishment
• old guard

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

• forefront
• leading edge
• front line
• cutting edge
• vanguard
• spearhead

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of van

By mid-afternoon Friday, dozens of fans clustered near MSG as black SUVs and vans with tinted windows, presumably filled with wedding attendees, turned the corner toward the stadium. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

White delivery vans with orange Katapulk logos splashed across each side delivered goods all over the island. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026

There will be hundreds of cooling centers, from the Javits Center convention hall to vans to outdoor spots with misting fans. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

For the first time, the city is deploying 15 mobile cool vans staffed with nurses and paramedics. — Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 30 June 2026