ahead of

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 Of note, the launch came 16 minutes ahead of a Rocket Lab launch from New Zealand. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025 And yet, to this point, the Dodgers have sounded wary of shopping for a potential replacement ahead of the deadline. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 There may be suggestions from Trump advocates in the hours ahead that the Israeli assault was part of a wider masterplan to weaken Iran ahead of more diplomacy. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 13 June 2025 Fans are already obsessed with the song ahead of Breach's release in September. Marina Watts, People.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • Does pasta sauce need to cool before refrigerating?
    Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • Back then, one day before the start of the Euros in England, then Ballon d’Or holder Alexia Putellas injured her anterior cruciate ligament and had to withdraw from the squad.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 29 June 2025
Preposition
  • The markets There was no trading in the U.S. yesterday due to the national holiday but S&P 500 futures were down 0.3% prior to the opening bell today.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 June 2025
  • So, prior to today's launch, the company made some modifications to help facilitate a future Ship chopsticks catch.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 20 June 2025
Preposition
  • The Bills open the 2025 regular season on Sept. 7 at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • Tensions heightened June 23 over possible payback by Tehran against the U.S. or its allies after strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities amid fears that the Mideast conflict could spiral into a wider war.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Preposition
  • The transitions here from song to song feel very intentional.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 23 June 2025
  • Jussie Smollett proposed to boyfriend Jabari Redd this weekend, bringing the good news to his followers via social media.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
Preposition
  • With nine more seasons under his belt as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers previous to that, he's recorded a 102-103-2 overall record.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
  • In the 18 years previous to that, Nagy was an NFL scout.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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