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

Slavia Prague The Czech champions briefly threatened an upset against Barcelona in the league phase last season, going ahead in sub-zero temperatures in Prague before the Catalan side turned up the heat to win 4-2. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

But the Ducks ultimately held off a resilient Broncos team when wide receiver Dakorien Moore hauled in a 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dante Moore, putting Oregon ahead for good. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

If movie nights are about to get a serious upgrade, go ahead and take a closer look at this one. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026

After Gage Hurych’s 26-yard field goal, Oregon went ahead on Jeremiah McClellan’s 8-yard TD catch. — Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Joshua has a treacherous district slate ahead but keep an eye out for the squad to keep building momentum in its final non-district bout against Eagle Mountain. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

In the meantime, organizations like the Plant A Million Corals Foundation are charging ahead with their plans, hoping that lawmakers will restore their funding soon. — Nicolás Rivero, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile shares are down 8% this year, but the stock has plenty of positive catalysts ahead, by Goldman's lights. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

From leather ensembles to a flowy maxi dress, explore 12 stylish ways to wear a pair of Mary Jane shoes ahead. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Sep. 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