ahead of

preposition

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 This tournament has put France back on top of the FIFA men’s world rankings, just ahead of Argentina, who France lost to in the final four years ago. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 1 July 2026 The Mega Millions jackpot blew past the half-billion-dollar mark ahead of the Tuesday, June 30, drawing, reaching $511 million with a cash value of $231 million. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees in New Jersey, Toronto, Miami, Kansas City and Philadelphia ahead of open-air matches in each location. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 30 June 2026 Speaking ahead of the vote, and a rally in front of the Shubert Organization offices, 32BJ SEIU Executive Vice President Denis Johnston, said the two parties, who have been negotiating since early June, are at odds over wages, in particular. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ahead of
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ahead of
  1. before
  2. against
  3. prior to
  4. to
Preposition
  • Within seconds, cheers echo across the mountain valley as a vehicle soars through the sky before plummeting down below.
    — Carmela Asmar, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Gibson retires the first two batters before giving up a single to Paul Goldschmidt, followed by the homer barrage.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of before
Preposition
  • In the last year, Actor’s Equity has filed at least seven labor complaints against Casa Bonita with the National Labor Relations Board for retaliation and refusal to bargain.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Kurtz will join teammate Shea Langeliers, who won his fan election to start at catcher for the American League with 65% of the vote in Phase 2 against Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of against
Preposition
  • The series takes place six years prior to the events of the first film and covers the high school years of a teenage Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree plays the character Reese Witherspoon originally played).
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Six years before Karl Benz’s first car and almost two decades prior to Henry Ford’s initial inventions, George Selden filed the first patent for a road engine, in 1879.
    — Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
Definition of prior to
Preposition
  • Nets belt winless Warriors Blue Egor Demin had 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 100-79 victory over the Golden State Warriors Blue in Monday’s early game.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Every travel day requires a spacious carry-on bag that’s comfortable to schlep through the airport and spacious enough to hold your in-flight essentials.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

ahead
ahead of
aid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ahead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ahead%20of. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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