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
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Recent Examples of vans
On the lawn of Jim Gilliam Park on Saturday, supporters from across the city chanted Pratt’s name, took selfies in front of black campaign vans with his hummingbird logo and ate cookies decorated with his face as kids raced around on scooters and played with the handful of dogs attending.
—
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
On Monday evening, I was whooshed alongside hundreds of guests in dark vans, escorted by police, to the Vela di Calatrava sports complex on the outskirts of Rome.
—Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 29 May 2026
The micro-van will become an incredibly efficient British Isle-roaming tiny camper with a price tag less than half of what some larger Wellhouse camper vans cost.
—C.c. Weiss
may 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2026
From the west, only taxis, rideshare vehicles and passenger vans will be allowed to approach Lot O.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026
Amazon's initial order encompassed 100,000 vans, and Rivian has also commenced commercial van sales to outside fleet operators.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
No affordable wheelchair vans yet, but suggestions, ideas, and genuine well wishes.
—Juli McDonald, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Ann Marie Carrier told CBS News that Amor was still breathing as soldiers took vans and set out for the closest hospital in Kuwait.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
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
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
On Monday evening, I was whooshed alongside hundreds of guests in dark vans, escorted by police, to the Vela di Calatrava sports complex on the outskirts of Rome.
—Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 29 May 2026
The micro-van will become an incredibly efficient British Isle-roaming tiny camper with a price tag less than half of what some larger Wellhouse camper vans cost.
—C.c. Weiss
may 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2026
From the west, only taxis, rideshare vehicles and passenger vans will be allowed to approach Lot O.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026
Amazon's initial order encompassed 100,000 vans, and Rivian has also commenced commercial van sales to outside fleet operators.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
No affordable wheelchair vans yet, but suggestions, ideas, and genuine well wishes.
—Juli McDonald, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Ann Marie Carrier told CBS News that Amor was still breathing as soldiers took vans and set out for the closest hospital in Kuwait.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
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
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
-
With front lines mostly stalemated, the country has been essentially split in two, leaving the government in charge of the capital, Khartoum, and Sudan’s east, while the RSF dominates the west.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
The missile has also pushed aircraft away from the front lines and created psychological pressure on the enemy.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
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 5 Jun. 2026.
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