van

1
as in vanguard
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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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in forefront
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 van Those brought in as low-level members— such as van or boat drivers —are often financially desperate. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2025 The motorist collided with a van, which was driven by a man in his 20s, according to CHP. Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 16 Feb. 2025 In the spot, which debuts Thursday, Hader and Wiig meet up for a romantic moment on Malibu Beach, with their strong SoCal accents intact, only to be interrupted by Armisen pulling up in a van. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025 While Farley shouted about his van by the river, Hartman wore khakis and kept his cool as the grown-up in the room. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for van
Recent Examples of Synonyms for van
Noun
  • Black communities are usually at the creative vanguard, from Renaissance art movements to fashion and even colloquialisms.
    Jasmine Browley, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But the folks shepherding Command & Conquer, a vanguard series in the bygone genre of real-time strategy (RTS) games, are seemingly fueled by a different kind of Tiberium.
    Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Known for its nontraditional approach to Japanese cuisine, the upscale Uchi was at the forefront of Wynwood’s ongoing shift from taco and pizza joints and craft beer bars to focusing on upscale restaurants.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Navigating Political and Ethical Considerations of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve By embracing bitcoin as a vital national reserve asset, the United States positions itself at the forefront of economic innovation, fiscal prudence, and visionary thinking.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Formed in 1966 in Canterbury, Kent, Soft Machine made a name for themselves on the London underground circuit playing a jazzy take on psychedelic prog-rock that eventually earned them slots opening for Pink Floyd and, in the U.S., Jimi Hendrix.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The toolkit was first put up for sale on a Russian criminal underground forum for $2,500 in Oct. 2024.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In a March 7, 2025, X/Twitter post, early Bitcoin pioneer Charlie Shrem reflected on the momentous shift in policy.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The fire that destroyed the Bidwell Mansion began unexpectedly, spread uncontrollably and puzzled a community that had for generations grown in the footprint and shadow of the pioneer family.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Van.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/van. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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