HEADS-UP Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

heads-up 1 of 2

noun

ˈhedz-ˈəp

Definition of heads-up

as in warning

the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk thanks for the heads-up about the upcoming visit from the corporate big shots

Synonyms & Similar Words

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heads-up

2 of 2

adjective

as in aware

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 heads-up

Noun

No need to make this overly dramatic, but a quick heads-up before the event can go a long way. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026 Thanks to the heads-up from her boss, only Patty García had time to gather enough signatures to get on the ballot for the Democratic primary. — Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026

Adjective

Caglianone soon scored the a go-ahead run on some heads-up baserunning. — Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 On the night of the viral encounter, the couple had already put their toddler to bed and were getting ready for sleep when their next-door neighbors called with a heads-up. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heads-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heads-up

Noun

Less pleading and more of a warning, Beyoncé’s version of the beloved hit features different lyrics and an introduction that directly references the original track.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
The letter adds to a growing chorus of warnings about the dangers associated with advanced AI and comes shortly after a series of high-profile incidents in which flagship models tested by Anthropic and OpenAI breached testing safeguards.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of warning

Adjective

No one should underestimate the mortal significance of medical discreetness; researchers are well aware that many patients risk their own health due to the stigma associated with requiring medical help.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Most law firms are likely not even aware of Google’s new offerings, and yet the capabilities and benefits appear to be substantial – and cost-effective.

— Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of aware

Adjective

The decision suggests the companies believe that foreign investors remain wary of putting new money into the kingdom’s stock exchange, and will likely put off other firms planning IPOs in the short term.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Koreans are wary of methods to turn housing wealth into cash.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

That means being mindful of negative thoughts about body image — and redirecting them.

— Margaret Cirino, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Garcia and fellow Democrats are mindful of what’s driving unhappy voters who face a vexing mix of inflation and weak economic growth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of mindful

Adjective

Authorities in Indiana are warning residents to be vigilant after a person reported spotting a several-hundred-pound lioness and a large cub roaming in one central county.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
As arousal rises, the brain becomes temporarily more vigilant and focused.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of vigilant

Adjective

In most cases, Nathan explains, that patient lands in watchful waiting, repeating CT scans every six to 12 months, sometimes for years.

— Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Spotting a pair of smart glasses can require tech-savvy security staff, and enforcement may depend on users voluntarily disclosing their devices—or on watchful observers speaking up.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of watchful

Adjective

Smythson Bride-To-Be Soho Notebook Wedding season may be coming to a close, but this notebook is a perfect gift to help give engaged couples a place to plan out their nuptials for the coming year.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Families speak not only about how their children are more engaged in school, but happier and more hopeful about their future.

— Grant Oliphant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of engaged

Adjective

This is particularly important to them as religiously observant Jews, like most settlers.

— Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026
Capable, observant, and seemingly out of place among the slow horses, Sid has secretly been assigned to keep an eye on River.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of observant

Browse Nearby Words

headstrong

heads-up

heads-ups

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“Heads-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heads-up. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of heads-up

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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