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

Classic tees for effortless layering, elegant slips for summer’s heat, statement skirts for a touch of drama, and playful outerwear for the season ahead. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

New Florida women’s soccer coach Nick Zimmerman wasted little time signaling better days are ahead — much sooner than anyone expected. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Houston still entered the eighth inning ahead by two runs, only for its reliable bullpen to have a rare blowup. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Netflix Spoilers ahead for The Last House Over the years, blockbuster movies seem to have moved on from warning us about the future and started teaching us how to live in it. — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs have now played eight quarters of the preseason, which many thought would serve as a preview of their return to a more efficient offense in the games ahead that will matter. — Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026

If the city’s appeal is successful, that would mean the project could go ahead without additional hearings. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

The projector itself is a little over 9 inches long, and can pivot on the stand by over 110 degrees to point up or down, from a few degrees past straight up to project on the ceiling to a few degrees further down than straight ahead. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026

Senior cornerback Elijah Washington (a Northern Arizona commit) had an interception before halftime with Chaminade ahead 5-0. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 22 Aug. 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