ahead of

Definition of ahead ofnext
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 Vote-by-mail ballots are considered late if they are not postmarked on or ahead of election day or do not arrive within seven days of election day. Vanessa Martínez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026 That’s when the Royals pulled ahead and evened the series ahead of Sunday’s finale. Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026 This launch came hours ahead of the Starship and Super Heavy launch attempt in Texas. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026 Negotiations are set to continue for SAG-AFTRA later in the spring ahead of the contract’s June 30 expiration. Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Mascherano talked of formations and technique before ultimately saying his team might’ve been too caught up in the event in the first half.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • With consecutive road games in Minnesota and Boston upcoming, the Hornets will need somewhat of a cushion to be able to hang with the likes of the Magic and Heat during the season’s last week prior to the regular-season finale in New York against the Knicks on April 12.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Woods claimed he was distracted by his cell phone and car radio prior to the most recent collision.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • The Knicks went on to defeat the tanking, depleted Grizzlies handily, a 130-119 win good enough to snap a depressing three-game losing streak against the Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • July 23 – August 22 When emotions pull against big hopes, choose grace.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • All money paid from a club to a player must hit the cap at some point.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Carolina does have some remaining needs, and with the selection process just around the corner, The Charlotte Observer decided to go back to the drawing board.
    Mike Kaye April 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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