HEADS-UP Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

heads-up 1 of 2

noun

ˈhedz-ˈəp

Definition of heads-up

as in warning

the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk thanks for the heads-up about the upcoming visit from the corporate big shots

Synonyms & Similar Words

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heads-up

2 of 2

adjective

as in aware

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 heads-up

Noun

No need to make this overly dramatic, but a quick heads-up before the event can go a long way. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026 Thanks to the heads-up from her boss, only Patty García had time to gather enough signatures to get on the ballot for the Democratic primary. — Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026

Adjective

By distilling commander’s intent through intuitive, natural language commands, Anura scales the Soldier-to-robot ratio, reduces cognitive burden, accelerates training timelines, and enables heads-up, hands-free operation. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 The Justice Department’s regulations provide that reporters should generally receive a heads-up that their phone records will be sought. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heads-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heads-up

Noun

An extreme heat warning is currently in place for Death Valley, which is the lowest, hottest and driest portion of the North American continent and the United States’ largest national park outside of Alaska.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
An additional 45,000 people were in the adjacent evacuation warning zone.

— John Raby, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of warning

Adjective

However, Kaczmarek says the county board has been well aware of the funding gap since last year, when the board did not fully fund her budget request.

— Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
There’s also a Transparency Mode for situations where users need to be aware of their surroundings, such as travel announcements.

— Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of aware

Adjective

Many Iranian women are openly flouting the rule – and authorities seem wary of launching a crackdown, for now.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
That’s as the Fed has been especially wary of inflation, which has exceeded its 2% target for more than five years, with several central bankers ready to hike rates.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Just be mindful to avoid any sharp impacts, which can create chips, the designer explains.

— Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026
The league will also be mindful that a punishment of the Clippers would set a precedent for other NBA teams and their business partnerships going forward.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of mindful

Adjective

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) issued a traffic advisory on Friday, urging drivers to slow down and for pedestrians to stay vigilant, as the risk of traffic injuries rises at the start of each school year.

— Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
California State Parks officials said the discovery was another example of the ongoing effort to keep golden mussels out of California waterways and a reminder for boaters to remain vigilant when launching their vessels.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of vigilant

Adjective

In most cases, Nathan explains, that patient lands in watchful waiting, repeating CT scans every six to 12 months, sometimes for years.

— Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Spotting a pair of smart glasses can require tech-savvy security staff, and enforcement may depend on users voluntarily disclosing their devices—or on watchful observers speaking up.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

The jury was listening intently and looking at the screen as the story of the shooting unfolded, more engaged after already listening to hours of the recording.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Say what has changed, ask what still works, and suggest a flexible next step that gives both people space to stay engaged.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of engaged

Adjective

This is particularly important to them as religiously observant Jews, like most settlers.

— Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026
Capable, observant, and seemingly out of place among the slow horses, Sid has secretly been assigned to keep an eye on River.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of observant

Browse Nearby Words

headstrong

heads-up

heads-ups

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Cite this Entry

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“Heads-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heads-up. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of heads-up

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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