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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of vans
Starting the service in 2021 with just three vehicles, the operation now fields 21 vans and sport utility vehicles offering round-the-clock response throughout the region.
—
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
The queue for vans was growing.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Eligible customers who apply and are approved can schedule rides in wheelchair-accessible vans within nine transit zones, including Arden-Carmichael and Elk Grove.
—Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
Others said agents threatened to kill them, and allegedly forced them outside into vans in their pajamas and underwear, and took them to detention facilities without due process.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
The vans are all electric, according to the company, which is one of the station’s sustainability features.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Ground forces fired less-lethal rounds at point-blank range and forced participants into unmarked vans without explanation.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Meanwhile, Rivian’s Normal plant has a capacity to build another 155,000 R2s annually, together with up to 60,000 R1s and delivery vans.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
White, who lives near 18th Street and used to drive company vans before retirement, said he was disappointed that the driver reportedly left the crash scene.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
The queue for vans was growing.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Eligible customers who apply and are approved can schedule rides in wheelchair-accessible vans within nine transit zones, including Arden-Carmichael and Elk Grove.
—Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
Others said agents threatened to kill them, and allegedly forced them outside into vans in their pajamas and underwear, and took them to detention facilities without due process.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
The vans are all electric, according to the company, which is one of the station’s sustainability features.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
Ground forces fired less-lethal rounds at point-blank range and forced participants into unmarked vans without explanation.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Meanwhile, Rivian’s Normal plant has a capacity to build another 155,000 R2s annually, together with up to 60,000 R1s and delivery vans.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
White, who lives near 18th Street and used to drive company vans before retirement, said he was disappointed that the driver reportedly left the crash scene.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vans
Noun
-
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
-
Pants-optional dressing was arguably the biggest fashion trend of 2025, with celebrity style vanguards like Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, and Sydney Sweeney opting to leave their pants at home in favor of cheeky outfits—and Eva Longoria is getting on the pantsless bandwagon.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
29 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Coworth forefronts its equestrian roots, with stables on site as well as polo fields.—
Lydia Bell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
From the front lines of cybersecurity and financial crime, Silicon Valley technologists like me have already seen where AI is taking the software industry.—
Victor Fang,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
For healthcare workers on the front lines, many of whom have become victims of the terror themselves, the pressure is not just physical but psychological.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
Noun
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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
Noun
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Surprisingly, it was found that stingers use a distinct layering of zinc at the tip, followed by manganese, while pincers are reinforced with zinc and iron specifically along their cutting edges.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Apr. 2026
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Placing cutting edges along the handle might seem like a risky design choice.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vans. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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