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

Relevance

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 facility aims to start production in early 2028, with an initial run of about 5,000 vehicles a year, comprised of passenger cars and delivery vans. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 California Cruise marks an important milestone towards an entirely new generation of all-electric camper vans, which will be introduced step by step through to 2028. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 The agreement will see passenger cars and delivery vans tailored to hot climates made in Qatar, Autocar reported, with an initial run of about 5,000 vehicles a year. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Drivers who want a new vehicle without committing to long-term ownership can lease cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 The policy does say the tactic should not be used on trucks carrying hazardous materials, pickup trucks with passengers in the bed of the truck, vans or buses occupied with passengers who appear to be victims or motorcycles. — Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026 Zum leases bus yards, buys buses and small student shuttle vans, and connects them (via a tablet and GPS) to an app that allows parents and teachers alike to track the vehicles on their routes. — Sarah Whitmire, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Upon arrival at the airport in Ankara, the press pool vans were far back in the president’s motorcade, which is not unusual. — Isabella Murray, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Most camper vans have a small bed in the back, usually a convertible sofa or platform bed, and some have pop-tops for extra sleeping space for kids. — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 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

Both sides have stepped up their air campaigns as the front lines remain largely static, locked in a slow-moving, deadly stalemate.

— Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Their activism on the front lines of a battle over the future of the West Bank is a rare example of Israeli-Palestinian solidarity.

— Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 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