heads-up
1 of 3noun
ˈhedz-ˈəp 
: a message that alerts or prepares : warning
gave him a heads-up that an investigation was pending
heads-up
2 of 3adjective
: showing or requiring keen awareness and swift action
heads-up football
a heads-up player
Alex Rodriguez's heads-up play helped give Seattle the upper hand in a 3-2 victory Saturday against Baltimore.
Chuck Johnson
Chuck Johnsonheads up
3 of 3interjection
—used as a warning to look out for danger especially overhead or to clear a passageway
Synonyms
Noun
- admonishment
- admonition
- alarm
- alarum
- alert
- caution
- forewarning
- notice
- warning
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1981, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1913, in the meaning defined above
Interjection
1916, in the meaning defined above
heads-up 1 of 2
noun
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
Relevance
- warning
- forewarning
- advice
- alert
- suggestion
- caution
- recommendation
- admonishment
- notice
- admonition
- informing
- prediction
- predicting
- alarm
- announcement
- notification
- notifying
- tip
- guidance
- alarum
- forecasting
- apprising
- presaging
- premonition
- tip-off
- prognosticating
- prophesy
- declaration
- prophecy
- prophesying
- foretelling
- auguring
- augury
- counsel
heads-up
2 of 2adjective
as in aware
Synonyms & Similar Words
- aware
- wary
- vigilant
- mindful
- watchful
- observing
- alert
- observant
- heedful
- engaged
- conscious
- attentive
- alive
- sharp
- open-eyed
- wide-awake
- clearheaded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- absent
- distracted
- preoccupied
- abstracted
- unaware
- dreaming
- intent
- dreamy
- absentminded
- oblivious
- rapt
- pensive
- engrossed
- unwitting
- absorbed
- unwary
- unconscious
- heedless
- inattentive
- unmindful
- unthinking
- unknowing
- daydreaming
- vacant
- faraway
- unperceptive
- insensible
- unheeding