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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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of van
It was named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a boy who died after he was hit by a van in Brooklyn in 2013.
—
Lola Fadulu, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Three vehicles were involved, including two BART police vehicles and a medical-supply van, said Michael Hunt of the Oakland Fire Department, which was on the scene.
—John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2024
As the motor roars to life, Bri punches a guy who tries to enter the van.
—Lincee Ray, EW.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for van 
Lola Fadulu, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Three vehicles were involved, including two BART police vehicles and a medical-supply van, said Michael Hunt of the Oakland Fire Department, which was on the scene.
—John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2024
As the motor roars to life, Bri punches a guy who tries to enter the van.
—Lincee Ray, EW.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for van
Recent Examples of Synonyms for van
Noun
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Still, these vanguards in the wearable industry are pushing us toward an era when always-listening gadgets on our wrists and heads could grow to be more helpful.—
Julian Chokkattu,
WIRED,
8 Jan. 2025
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Like many in the island’s culinary vanguard, brewmaster Jeremmie Vélez Rosario is dedicated to sustainability, using ingredients grown on-site for his new spot, El Co.lectivo, a no-waste cocktail bar and pizza joint.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The protest focused on a range of issues that marchers believed were under threat with the new presidency, with women's reproductive rights at the forefront.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
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Iran and Russia have been subjected to numerous sanctions by the West, and trade and finance are at the forefront of the treaty signed Friday.—
Ivan Nechepurenko,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And as surface temperatures rise, their cool underground burrows may become important refuges.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Jan. 2025
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Here's your complete guide to the 2024 underground experience This 1840s home looks like a white Christmas wonderland.—
Gege Reed,
The Courier-Journal,
25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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If the ambitions of eVTOL pioneers are realized in the U.S., people will be able to hop in an air taxi to get to and from airports serving New York and Los Angeles within the next few years.—
Michael Liedtke,
The Denver Post,
18 Jan. 2025
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In the heart of Pella, a multi-building historical village showcases what life would have been like in the pioneer days, from a replica of a sod house to a blacksmith and a wooden shoe shop.—
Tanvi Chheda,
AFAR Media,
17 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Van.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/van. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
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