ahead of

preposition

1

: in front or advance of

They were ahead of us in line.

2

: in excess of

Synonyms of ahead of

• before
• prior to
• in advance of
• to

Examples of ahead of in a Sentence

She got ahead of me.

They went on ahead of us and by now are several miles ahead of us.

We have some hard work ahead of us.

The polls show that he is ahead of the other candidates.

The company is working hard to stay one step ahead of the competition.

They were trailing us by 5 points earlier in the game, but now they're ahead of us by 7.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Stars have left the Mammoth in their dust with their recent streak, now a full 20 points ahead of Utah in the standings. —Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026

If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026

Since Texas head coach Vic Schaefer arrived in Austin ahead of the 2020-21 season, the Longhorns have gone 14-5 in the NCAA Tournament. —Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 15 Mar. 2026

Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead of time to shelter in a stronger structure. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ahead of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove

Kids Definition

ahead of

preposition

: in or at a place or time before

got ahead of me

we're ahead of schedule