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

But Mitchell forged ahead, achieving the vision that ballet is for everyone. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Gomez's goal put Brighton 2-0 ahead against its biggest rival — and the team went 3-0 up three minutes later before running out a 5-0 winner. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

But the posting of the media list signaled, at least on an organizational level, the trip was going ahead. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

One man, summing up the shock, anger and frustration for everyone, stared straight ahead and at one in particular, gathering up whatever air was left in his lungs and yelled one more f-bomb for good measure. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

The long road ahead After being charged with murder on Friday, Francis, dressed in a white Tyvek suit and appearing confused at court, said nothing as she was ordered held without bail for her daughter’s death. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 Oct. 2026

Amphenol Another robust quarter ahead, analyst Wamsi Mohan, wrote earlier this week ahead of the electronic connector manufacturer's quarterly report. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

The coldest temperatures are still ahead Sunday morning, before a gradual warming trend gets underway. — Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 17 Oct. 2026

Even though Ted Sarandos had long been telegraphing that a major reorganization was ahead at Netflix, Bela Bajaria didn’t expect the ax was coming for her role. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 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