ahead of

Definition of ahead ofnext
1
as in before
earlier than always arrives at school ahead of the bus we were cautioned not to fill out any of the test answers ahead of time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in in advance of
preceding in space the three lost children emerged from the forest, with the family dog walking proudly ahead of them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ahead of Hersheypark could face disruptions ahead of its busy summer season as union maintenance workers weigh whether to authorize a strike. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 The question Subramanian thinks the next 12 months will resolve is whether the protocol race produces real demand or whether, as has been the pattern this year, the standards keep multiplying ahead of usage. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 On a Santa Rosa hillside Friday, workers trimmed tall grass ahead of the windy conditions expected this weekend. Da Lin, CBS News, 16 May 2026 Longtime leader Hearts went into the game one point ahead of second-place Celtic. ABC News, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • Ha-Seong Kim lined a two-strike fastball off Chapman’s leg that Chapman eventually found along the first-base line before throwing to first for the final out.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 17 May 2026
  • Vulcano About an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
Preposition
  • Thomas asked anyone who was in contact with Mott prior to the incident to contact the department.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Fudd missed the Dallas Wings’ home opener Tuesday with a right knee injury, the team announced prior to tipoff against the Atlanta Dream.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Preposition
  • Lehmann considers the contested history of Anne Boleyn, the outlandish accusations against her, and the ways in which her image has been erased and changed over time.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
  • While the Crusaders have a regular-season finale Friday against Eastlake, Wednesday’s win clinched the league title.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Preposition
  • The South Terrace, with bucolic and far-reaching views, is already the locus of socialising spilling down to the 25-meter pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • The margin grew to 17 before the Sparks closed the quarter with a 13-8 run.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster