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

But Mitchell forged ahead, achieving the vision that ballet is for everyone. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Gomez's goal put Brighton 2-0 ahead against its biggest rival — and the team went 3-0 up three minutes later before running out a 5-0 winner. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 But the posting of the media list signaled, at least on an organizational level, the trip was going ahead. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 One man, summing up the shock, anger and frustration for everyone, stared straight ahead and at one in particular, gathering up whatever air was left in his lungs and yelled one more f-bomb for good measure. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 The long road ahead After being charged with murder on Friday, Francis, dressed in a white Tyvek suit and appearing confused at court, said nothing as she was ordered held without bail for her daughter’s death. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 Oct. 2026 Amphenol Another robust quarter ahead, analyst Wamsi Mohan, wrote earlier this week ahead of the electronic connector manufacturer's quarterly report. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 The coldest temperatures are still ahead Sunday morning, before a gradual warming trend gets underway. — Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 17 Oct. 2026 Even though Ted Sarandos had long been telegraphing that a major reorganization was ahead at Netflix, Bela Bajaria didn’t expect the ax was coming for her role. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 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

But the tireless churn of his storytelling, picking up and depositing little clues of what came before, is the mark of an auteur who has barely scratched the surface of his prowess.

— Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
In fact, researchers have never seen 99 percent of the viruses discovered there before.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

But two-way contract forward Keshad Johnson was available against the Nets after missing the Heat’s first three preseason games because of a right hamstring strain.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Anvary was tightlipped about whether the brand will continue to invest in microseries or more entertainment moving forward, saying executives want to see how the audience engages with this first attempt first.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of forward

Adjective

In this golden age of cringe, that earlier art of transgression—with its tense silences, humiliations, and hostile disturbance of the performer-audience relationship—was channeled downstream.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
That earlier aircraft established a historical precedent for using the Hercules platform in this specialized role.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

Her party is already the largest opposition party in parliament, and a snap legislative election following the presidential vote could entrench it further.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Wider shipping disruptions While some operators remain willing to transit Hormuz, much of the global container shipping industry has already adjusted its networks to avoid the strait.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of already

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

Peet, who had been screened since her late 30s because of dense breast tissue and prior benign lumps, was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation and is now on tamoxifen.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
The league can suspend players without criminal charges, and his prior assault conviction may factor into a decision.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of prior

Browse Nearby Words

aha

ahead

ahead of

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Style

“Ahead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead. Accessed 19 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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fervid

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