vans

noun

plural of van
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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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 All five men who were arrested after authorities said they were caught approaching the base in three vans shortly after midnight Sunday have been released on bail but remain under investigation. — Greg Miller, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026 Earlier, army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine the vans. — Sylvia Hui, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026 The men – identified only as British nationals between the ages of 23 and 25 and from London area – were quickly released on bail with police confirming no explosives were found in three vans at the scene. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 Investigators found gasoline but no explosives in three vans and are examining possible links to Iran, Russia or militant groups. — Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 The effort started with customers, Truby said, a byproduct of Ford’s major business selling commercial trucks and vans, and supporting blue-collar entrepreneurs through its Pro business. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 Since the Ford Transit Custom now shares its platform with the new Volkswagen Transporter, Schmiede will also be offering the high roof for Volkswagen vans and campers. — New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026 They were later carried away on stretchers to pathology vans. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 Diesel is the fuel most likely to be used by commercial trucks and is also used by some SUVs, pickups and vans. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vans
  1. vanguards
  2. forefronts
  3. front lines
  4. leading edges
  5. cutting edges
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
  • From the C-suite to the front lines of the labor market, resilience is a mindset that must be deliberately cultivated in organizations and individuals alike.
    — Philip Weinberg, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Video posted by the Yemeni military showed strikes on various Houthi positions across several front lines.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 28 Sep. 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
Definition of leading edges
Noun
  • With no sharp cutting edges, the Vulyx is claimed to be TSA-compliant.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • But over time, the cutting edges on a drill bit will wear down, causing materials start to splinter, leading to chipped wood or damaged walls.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 5 June 2026
Definition of cutting edges

Browse Nearby Words

vanquishing
vans
vantage
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Cite this Entry

“Vans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vans. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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