ahead of

preposition

Definition of ahead ofnext
1
as in before
earlier than always arrives at school ahead of the bus we were cautioned not to fill out any of the test answers ahead of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in in advance of
preceding in space the three lost children emerged from the forest, with the family dog walking proudly ahead of them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 of In a rare interview about Ozzy ahead of the film’s release, Sharon tells Rolling Stone how Ozzy saw the whole day as a great achievement. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026 The track is some fun ahead of the upcoming game between the Volunteers and Crimson Tide on Saturday. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Tangible Book Value Per Share (TBVPS) – the primary basis for bank valuations, aside from EPS — came in ahead of expectations. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 August 23 – September 22 Your mind may run ahead of the facts this morning. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
  1. before
  2. against
  3. prior to
  4. to
Preposition
  • The January 16, 2027 slot once again falls the day after the end of nomination voting in the Academy Awards on January 15, and before the January 21 nominations announcement.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Belgal was shot by ICE Thursday, according to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said agents surrounded the man and a 5-year-old child in his car before firing multiple times.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of before
Preposition
  • The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of against
Preposition
  • This kind of energized base was even what regime officials were worried about losing right prior to this conflict.
    — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Under the City Charter, those commissioners have the power to remove the police chief at any time prior to the expiration of the chief’s term.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of prior to
Preposition
  • That year, after Israeli officials castigated Qatar for allegedly financing Hamas, the Qataris began demanding formal documentation of an arrangement the two governments had agreed was meant to provide relief to citizens of the beleaguered enclave.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The alternate versions certainly add extra bite, and a few outtakes could have made it to the main tracklist.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

ahead
ahead of
aid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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