AHEAD OF Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

ahead of

preposition

Definition of ahead of

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

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 Following the consolidation, layoffs at several properties, including Carowinds, occurred ahead of its seasonal opening last year. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 The sidebar, introduced in 2021 to showcase high-profile new series on the big screen ahead of release, will also feature Netflix titles Dead-End Job and Blue Road. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Tyler Batty, Bo Richter, Cam'Ron Stewart and Chaz Chambliss currently sit ahead of Dyson on the depth chart. — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Official broadcasts will be announced no later than six days ahead of kickoff. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of

Preposition

In response, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said Thursday there was no Turkish military delegation at the Syrian air base before or during Israel’s attack.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
If successful, the approach could give exploration teams another way to narrow down promising areas before bringing in drilling equipment.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

Ukraine has developed an arsenal of long-range drones and its own cruise missiles which are being used against a widening array of targets inside Russia.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
That’s tough to do against a good-hitting team, especially in a big part of their order, middle part of their order.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of against

Preposition

From classic Amtrak routes crossing the Continental Divide to historic steam locomotives chugging through the state’s mining past, these journeys continue to preserve the stories, scenery and communities that helped shape the West.

— Jocelyn Rowley, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Investigators, legal experts, journalists and others tied to the case contribute first-hand testimony throughout the documentary.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

ahead

ahead of

aid

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ahead of

preposition

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