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

Relevance

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

Just a heads-up - Midjourney's AI can now do hands correctly. — Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 16 Mar. 2023 Every year, Michigan homeowners get a heads-up on how much their property taxes could be going up. — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for heads-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heads-up

Noun

Colt’s father, Colin Gray, was found guilty of murder and manslaughter charges in March for purchasing his son the firearm and keeping it unsecured despite warnings that Colt was a danger to others.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
But for most of us, being thrust to the forefront of a TV set with no warning, then ordered to compete with the pros, is a recipe for instant performance anxiety.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026

Definition of warning

Adjective

Adobe has been extending brand-aware generative tools, including Firefly Design Intelligence, to enterprise customers, with Coca-Cola among the first to adopt them.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Sue knew Doom in the past and is aware of how the villain lost his family.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026

Definition of aware

Adjective

Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a pause in fighting between the United States and Iran, though traders remain wary.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
The campaign has taken the protests demanding accountability and education reforms beyond the streets, broadening its reach and intensifying pressure on a government wary of appearing to yield to a rapidly growing youth movement.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Errant thoughts will still arise (the laundry, the email, the certainty that your opening scene is a disaster) but in a mindful state, those thoughts are observable.

— April Dávila, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
From mechanical execution to mindful and continuously evolving discernment.

— Sid Mohasseb, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of mindful

Adjective

The most important thing is to stay vigilant and correct course, rather than chase failing assets.

— John Laghezza, New York Times, 24 July 2026
To survive, raccoon have to be vigilant, persistent and physically agile to navigate the physical and mental challenges of life in the wild.

— Kelly Lambert, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Definition of vigilant

Adjective

Some travelers swear by putting Champagne in a carry-on (purchased at duty-free after security) to keep it under their watchful eye.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
An afternoon at Barton Springs will feel just like childhood summers spent at the neighborhood pool or camp lake with locals swimming laps, kids cannonballing off the diving board, and lifeguards with their watchful eye.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

Retirees who stay engaged, maintain relationships, and pursue meaningful activities often find more satisfaction than those who simply step away from work without a clear plan for what comes next.

— Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Keep reading to discover new ways to help kids stay engaged and on top of their learning.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Definition of engaged

Browse Nearby Words

headstrong

heads-up

heads-ups

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Heads-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heads-up. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of heads-up

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inveigle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes