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

On June 6th, isis kidnapped two French journalists from Alaaeddin’s van. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Then again, there are always more snacks (and craft beers) waiting in the van that takes you back to the lodge. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Milbourne also provided a photo sent to the college’s chief of police on Wednesday that shows an ICE agent next to a white van in a parking lot. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

More than 40,000 Rivian electric delivery vans were operating in Amazon’s network by 2026, up from more than 30,000 at the end of 2025. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026