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 The announcement comes just ahead of the COP30 conference in Brazil, where ‘energy realists’ are once again likely to push back against stricter climate goals. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025 The collection will launch just ahead of key rivalry games that traditionally take place the weekend after Thanksgiving. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025 The cancellations came ahead of a directive from the Federal Aviation Administration reducing flight capacity by 10%, cuts necessitated by air traffic controller shortages during the longest-ever government shutdown. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Bo transferred to the University of Oregon ahead of the 2022-23 school year, and Izzy joined her soon-to-be-husband in his new college town of Eugene after graduating from Auburn. Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • Scientists tracking humpbacks off the coast of Australia have captured rare footage that shows clutches of the freeloading fish peeling away from their host in what looks like a high-speed game of chicken, just moments before the whale breaches.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Soika, a surgeon, unsuccessfully tried to book a rental car to get to Utah for a weekend trip before settling on an option that seemed straight out of Hollywood.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
Preposition
  • Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier Many passengers arrive at their boarding gate with gear that needs special handling, but don’t check in with the gate agent prior to boarding.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Recall that a year prior to Wardlaw passing her hot check, criminal court records confirm her guilty disposition for the crime of skipping out on a wholly different criminal-court appearance, which is a class C misdemeanor.
    Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • Since that time, Pratt has dedicated himself to railing against Bass, the Los Angeles City Council, and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their responses to the fires.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Chargers’ schedule includes games against the AFC East and the NFC West, including the Rams.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • Johnson said that the animal caused extensive damage to his home, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Joshua School does not have access to the bus video or activities that occur on the bus.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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