VANS Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

vans

noun

plural of van

as in vanguards

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in forefronts

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 vans The Fathom is the first product built on what Ford calls the Universal Electric Vehicle platform, which will be the basic architecture for producing multiple upcoming electric cars, from compacts to vans, Bergg said. — Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 There will also be nearly two dozen Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans deployed to help people in need get medical assistance, meals and more. — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 So what about taller vehicles like semi-trucks, SUVs, and vans? — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Affordable city EVs, delivery vans, buses, two- and three-wheelers, forklifts, and stationary energy storage systems are all strong candidates. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026 Modern cars, trucks, SUVs and vans can last for 150,000 miles to 300,000 miles depending on the make and model. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Reservations cost €40 (about $45) for cars, €26 (about $30) for motorcycles and €60 (about $68) for camper vans. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 In fact, unlike with the Gen 2, instances of dog-walkers and delivery vans triggering alerts have dropped to nearly zero. — Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 In recent years, farmers began using passenger vans with seats and seat belts for 10 or 12 workers, said Dean Okimoto, chief of operations for Nalo Farms. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vans

Noun

The great technological leaps in American history have often featured influential industrialists who step forward as vanguards, leading the way to a better tomorrow while emerging as major players in extreme endeavors.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026
The once-insurgent vanguards who cast their first votes for Barack Obama have relinquished their cool factor to Gen Z, who will one day undergo the same process themselves as time continues its relentless march forward.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026

Definition of vanguards

Noun

One of the real forefronts in the field right now is figuring out how to solve the delivery problem for all these other tissue types.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026
Coworth forefronts its equestrian roots, with stables on site as well as polo fields.

— Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026

Definition of forefronts

Noun

Closer to the front lines, Russians have employed smaller attack drones to terrorize civilian areas in Ukraine, targeting gas stations and vehicles.

— Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Utah has been on the front lines of a battle between states and the federal government over who regulates the markets and whether they should be considered finance or gambling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of front lines

Noun

The company will evaluate applications for nose cones, fins, leading edges, bulkheads, and other high-performance structures that require precision and durability.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026
Traveling over five times the speed of sound generates immense friction and drag, resulting in the leading edges reaching temperatures beyond 1,650 °C (3,000 °F).

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025