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 Some residents blamed the flooding on clogged drainage systems, stating that city authorities ought to have prepared by ensuring there was functional drainage infrastructure ahead of the rainy season. ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 Aubrey, once a Major League Soccer prospect, holds the NFL record for most field goals of 60 yards or more and has made 122 of 126 field goal attempts since signing with the Cowboys ahead of the 2023 season. Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 Following the Lakers’ victory over the Pacers on Friday night, the Nuggets sit just a half-game ahead of the Lakers in fifth place in the Western Conference, while the Houston Rockets are 1½ games ahead of the Lakers in fourth place. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026 An estimated 9,000 homeless people were arrested ahead of hosting the Summer Olympics in 1996, according to the think tank Brookings. Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • In his monologue, Gosling began going through the motions of singing a song about Earth (with a planetary model hanging down as a visual) before getting distracted by pop star Harry Styles in the front row.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The Hurricanes came oh-so-close before falling short, 92-89.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • He was listed as questionable for the contest before testing the quad in warmups and then being downgraded to out less than hour prior to tipoff.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Another lawsuit has challenged whether the legislature had the authority to begin pursuing the redistricting plan prior to the vote on the amendment.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Know More The House war powers vote on Thursday is the most urgent opportunity for Democrats to try to unite against the war, even as the ongoing split persists about how to talk about it.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Athletic Club Boise released three new jerseys ahead of its debut game Saturday in Florida against the Sarasota Paradise.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.
    Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Christine has contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Travel + Leisure, Domino, and more.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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