ahead of

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 Russia’s transport minister, who also previously served as governor of the Kursk region ahead of Ukraine’s 2024 incursion, was found dead just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin fired him from his ministerial role. Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025 On Sunday, American tech media The Information reported that TikTok is building a new version of its app for US users to be launched ahead of the September deadline. Marc Stewart, CNN Money, 7 July 2025 Since Reid was hired ahead of the 2013 season, the Chiefs have posted more victories, including playoffs, than any NFL team. Kansas City Star, 7 July 2025 In a shocking move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Mavericks traded away their most prominent player of the decade in Luka Doncic. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
Preposition
  • Winker will be given anti-inflammatory medication for the next 4-7 days before being reevaluated.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • The 30-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Syria before going on to graduate from Columbia, had played a prominent role negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters at the university.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Preposition
  • Under Michigan's 1963 constitution, candidates for Michigan governor must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens and residents of Michigan who were registered to vote in Michigan for at least four years prior to the election.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • Virden served as the Conway County district judge from 2012-2014 prior to his election to the state Court of Appeals in 2014.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 July 2025
Preposition
  • Soto, 26, could still go as a roster replacement if someone opts against going.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
  • Access to passports, other IDs, and credit cards makes theft that much easier, so a pouch that protects against those RFID readers scanning our chips is a huge help.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
Preposition
  • In addition to expert pitch training leading up to the event, winners will receive three months of personalized business development, mentorship, and strategic coaching from the New Voices Foundation.
    Essence, Essence, 6 July 2025
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average heart rate for adult women is 78 to 82 beats per minute.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Preposition
  • His six league goals last season represent a modest return, especially after back-to-back double-digit campaigns previous to this.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • With nine more seasons under his belt as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers previous to that, he's recorded a 102-103-2 overall record.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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