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 Since its founding, Storyteller has made flexible vans with outdoor accoutrements front of mind, building out versatile multi-use spaces for strapping in large cargo during the ride before rearranging into a bedroom/workshop once there. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 The original five were targeted for arrest after a local farmer tipped off police to a suspicious group of people meandering near the base, in vans bearing fake business logos. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 The suspects were arrested while traveling in white vans near RAF Fairford. — Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026 More than 40,000 Rivian electric delivery vans were operating in Amazon’s network by 2026, up from more than 30,000 at the end of 2025. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 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 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

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

The frontman said he was humbled by the action and was touched to spend time with members of the Minneapolis community who worked on the front lines during the ICE surge.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Where previously tanks and massed armed formations fought across relatively delineated front lines, now drones from either side battle in the sky.

— Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 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