Synonyms of ahead

ahead 1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈhed 

1

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time

call ahead for reservations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earlier
• before
• already
• early
• beforehand
• previously
• now
• in advance
• anteriorly
• shortly
• preliminarily
• afore
• soon
• first
• formerly
• antecedently
• prematurely
• first off
• before long
• a priori
• presently
• erelong

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• later
• afterward
• after
• behind
• next
• subsequently
• by and by

2

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

• forward
• onward
• on
• forth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backward

3

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

• forward
• along
• forwards
• onward
• forth
• on
• before
• fore
• frontward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• back
• behind
• backward
• rearward

ahead

2 of 2

adjective

as in early

Related Words

• early
• prior
• previous
• preceding
• former
• fundamental
• basic
• preparing
• elementary
• warning
• introducing
• beginning
• preliminary
• premonitory
• preparatory
• readying
• prefacing
• preparative
• introductory
• precursory
• prelusive
• prefatory
• prelim
• primary

Dissimilar Words

• following
• subsequent
• after
• behind

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ahead

Adverb

Spoilers ahead for the third season of House of the Dragon through episode six. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026

After going three months without an MLS goal, Son scored for a third consecutive league match since the World Cup break, putting LAFC ahead in the fifth minute. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 26 July 2026

The Sox went back ahead when Drew Romo scored on a Murakami grounder to second base in the bottom of the third. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Cooler days ahead The heat is expected to continue in the Kansas City area into Monday where highs top out at 102, according to the Weather Service. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Machado hit a tying two-run drive before Merrill’s solo shot put San Diego ahead. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

Find 11 pairs of shoes to wear with baggy jeans this summer and into fall, ahead. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 26 July 2026

But this is not certain to go ahead given the ongoing Middle East conflict. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 26 July 2026

The week ahead will have no shortage of challenges for the major averages. — Justina Lee,sarah Min, CNBC, 26 July 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

Phrases Containing ahead

• ahead of
• full speed ahead
• full steam ahead
• get ahead