go-ahead

1 of 2

adjective

ˈgō-ə-ˌhed 

1

: marked by energy and enterprise : progressive

a vigorous go-ahead company

2

: indicating that one may proceed

go-ahead signal

3

: being a score that gives a team the lead in a game

drove in the go-ahead run

go-ahead

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: energy, spirit

b

: one possessing go-ahead

2

: a sign, signal, or authority to proceed : green light

Synonyms of go-ahead

Noun

• powerhouse

Examples of go-ahead in a Sentence

Noun

a born go-ahead, he was determined to be the first in his family to graduate from college

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But the superstar blended in perfectly with Denver’s bench mob for a cathartic moment on Dec. 5, when Jonas Valanciunas lifted off for a powerful go-ahead dunk in Atlanta. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2025

The first drive netted Dicker’s 31-yard field goal that tied it at 16-16, after Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley ran 52 yards for a go-ahead touchdown, the Eagles’ first lead of the game. —Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 9 Dec. 2025

Noun

Vucevic had seven points during the spurt, including a go-ahead layup. —CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

But Dawson smartly came to his senses late, giving the ball to Fletcher, who carried it five consecutive times on UM’s go-ahead score, for gains of 56, 2, 12, 3 and 2. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for go-ahead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead