Synonyms of ahead

ahead 1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈhed 

1

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time

call ahead for reservations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earlier
• before
• already
• early
• beforehand
• previously
• now
• in advance
• anteriorly
• shortly
• preliminarily
• afore
• soon
• first
• formerly
• antecedently
• prematurely
• first off
• before long
• a priori
• presently
• erelong

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• later
• afterward
• after
• behind
• next
• subsequently
• by and by

2

as in forward

toward a point ahead in space or time

sent me ahead to get a place in the check-out line while she went to get the eggs and milk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forward
• onward
• on
• forth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• backward

3

as in along

toward or at a point lying in advance in space or time

the line moved ahead at a snail's pace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forward
• along
• forwards
• onward
• forth
• on
• before
• fore
• frontward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• back
• behind
• backward
• rearward

ahead

2 of 2

adjective

as in early

Related Words

• early
• prior
• previous
• preceding
• former
• fundamental
• basic
• preparing
• elementary
• warning
• introducing
• beginning
• preliminary
• premonitory
• preparatory
• readying
• prefacing
• preparative
• introductory
• precursory
• prelusive
• prefatory
• prelim
• primary

Dissimilar Words

• following
• subsequent
• after
• behind

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ahead

Adverb

In the campaign ahead, Lula is expected to try to capitalize on the popularity of his social policies and his rival's many legal woes. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

While the completion of the structure marks an important achievement, the more important test is still ahead, as official commissioning is planned for November, after the remaining construction work is completed. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

As the market tries to keep the momentum going, a quiet calendar of earnings and economic reports awaits in the week ahead. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

With the Commanders ahead 3-0, Mariota was sacked at the Indy 11 by Adetomiwa Adebawore and Laiatu Latu on third down. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Gabe Panikowski’s 44-yard field goal sent the Seminoles into halftime ahead 17-7. — Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Recent polling suggests Americans broadly agree with their push to slow down AI development, as the communist adversary the leftists support is powering ahead with the technology for military purposes. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

But the clearest lesson from Iowa is that states that engage early and set smart terms come out ahead, while those that hesitate watch the investment head elsewhere. — Jeff Danielson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026

In a disrupted market, the leaders who come out ahead are the ones willing to step into uncertainty before anyone hands them a map. — Drew McLellan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Adjective

For a make ahead option, assemble the casserole up to 1 day before baking. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026

If For All Mankind’s early seasons laid out an optimistic fantasy of what space travel could be, scientific advancement and social progress sweeping ahead hand in hand, Star City posits a much darker vision, and arguably one much more in keeping with our own current national mood. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026

With only seven ingredients (one of which is deli ham) and only 20 minutes of hands-on cooking required, this is our go-to make ahead breakfast that instantly makes mornings a little brighter. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Choose your ski resort and go on their website to find buy ahead deals. — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026

As for these ahead-of-schedule Spurs? — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 5 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing ahead

• ahead of
• full speed ahead
• full steam ahead
• get ahead