AHEAD Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

ahead 1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈhed

Definition of ahead

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time call ahead for reservations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in forward

toward a point ahead in space or time sent me ahead to get a place in the check-out line while she went to get the eggs and milk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backward

as in along

toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time the line moved ahead at a snail's pace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ahead

2 of 2

adjective

as in early

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 ahead

Adverb

Releases in North America and other markets are expected in the months ahead. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati – the latest miserable day during this depressing season - crystallized several issues that general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley must navigate in the days and weeks ahead. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 The eventual agreement delivered substantial raises for players and a seven-year deal running through 2032, giving her successor a foundation for the years ahead. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 As Georgia recovers from the storm’s high winds and heavy rain that pummeled the state over the weekend, a reprieve appears to be up ahead. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Putting the array of evidence together represents the primary task ahead for James, the special prosecutor tasked with leading the investigation and considering whether to bring charges. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Mitchell was two strokes ahead after playing a five-hole stretch in 5 under with three birdies and an eagle. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 The further ahead the planner looks, the larger that sphere becomes. — New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026 Chambliss put them ahead to stay with a 10-yard touchdown run as Ole Miss scored on four straight drives in the first half for a 42-3 halftime lead. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Adjective

For a make ahead option, assemble the casserole up to 1 day before baking. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 If For All Mankind’s early seasons laid out an optimistic fantasy of what space travel could be, scientific advancement and social progress sweeping ahead hand in hand, Star City posits a much darker vision, and arguably one much more in keeping with our own current national mood. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026 With only seven ingredients (one of which is deli ham) and only 20 minutes of hands-on cooking required, this is our go-to make ahead breakfast that instantly makes mornings a little brighter. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Choose your ski resort and go on their website to find buy ahead deals. — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026 As for these ahead-of-schedule Spurs? — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 5 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead

Adverb

In 2025, its respondents averaged $347,460 in fine-art purchases, up 19% from the year before.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
As the impact of the sanctions kicked in, Huawei's consumer business — once the company's largest by revenue — halved to about $34 billion in 2021 from the year before.

— Matthew Tan,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

Though Calvin’s children and sister Ruth (Willow Kean), who works as Snook’s Arms Harbor Master, realize there are very few resources left to hold on to, Calvin digs in his heels, determined to find a way forward.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
This triggered over 40 additional women to come forward with their own stories about the brothers.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adverb

Over the past few years, the Grammys helped speed that along by introducing new categories like Best Progressive R&B Album, offering the chance for artists across the rhythm and blues spectrum to have their work recognized.

— Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Javier Herbello and Officer Dorian Acosta, were standing outside the Electric Lady and on the right side of a parked car as the crowd was letting out and traffic slowly moved along.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of along

Adjective

Of course, Gen Zers are still in the early stages of their careers and have yet to enter their prime earnings years.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Rain began falling along the coast Friday morning, and tropical storm conditions were picking up in the early afternoon.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

Like Kaprizov and a slew of star forwards last season, Hughes and Makar could each be waiting for the other to sign first.

— Michael Russo, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Of course, just because a timeframe hasn't been announced to the public, that doesn't mean there is no internal timeframe that can be brought forwards and backwards as necessary.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of forwards

Adjective

Roughly 1 in 5 Americans looking for financial advice in the prior year have used AI, according to a Gallup survey conducted with financial services firm Edward Jones.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
That was the lowest in the financial research firm’s records, which go all the way back to 2004, and also just under the prior record low of 302 buyers in the third quarter of 2024.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of prior

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aha

ahead

ahead of

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Style

“Ahead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ahead

adverb

adjective

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Synonyms of ahead

adverb

adjective

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing ahead

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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