Entry Word: ahead

Function: adverb

Meaning: 1 so as to precede something in order of time <we were cautioned not to fill out any of the test answers ahead of time> <call ahead for reservations>

Synonyms afore [chiefly dialect], antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, previously

Related Words formerly

Phrases in advance

Near Antonyms behind, by and by, next, presently, subsequently

Antonyms after, afterward (or afterwards), later

2 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> — see onward 1
3 toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time <the line moved ahead at a snailʼs pace> — see along