first 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfərst How to pronounce first (audio)
Definition of firstnext
1
as in initial
coming before all others in time or order the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in main
coming before all others in importance there are a number of reasons we can't go, but the first is that we don't have the money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in foremost
highest in rank or authority auditioned and got first clarinet in the band

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

first

2 of 2

adverb

1
as in instead
as a substitute eat peas? I'd eat cockroaches first

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in rather
by choice or preference we will not give in, but will fight for our freedom first

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 first
Adjective
The family’s case was rejected — despite being first and second generation, and despite Pedro Monasterios and his children having been recognized as citizens just a few years earlier. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 In the early 1800s, the region was home to Hawaii’s first commercial sugar plantation which helped launch the state’s sugar industry and bring the town of Kōloa into the spotlight. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The state championship last season was the program’s first since 1987. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The defeat was Reeves’ first since 2020, according to Tapology, with a professional record of (16-2-0). — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
  1. initial
  2. main
  3. foremost
  4. instead
  5. rather
  6. inaugural
  7. primary
  8. chief
Adjective
  • These winds are strong enough to blow around embers and keep fire crews on their toes, but are nowhere close to the nearly 50 mph gusts that fueled the fires’ initial explosive spread last weekend.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Implementation began last month with an initial pilot zone in an area that wasn’t occupied by Israeli forces but had previously sustained Israeli fire.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • Al-Hilal is keen to offload the player, who is training separately from their main squad and not in coach Simoene Inzaghi's plans.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Nazca Lines, ​enormous drawings and ⁠geometric figures etched into desert plains in the south of the country, are one of Peru’s main tourist destinations, attracting approximately ​100,000 annual visitors.
    — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Today, perhaps the foremost image of a moderate is that of a centrist on a left-right spectrum.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Briggs, the architect, built a reputation for bespoke luxury homes along the Orange County coast and was named among Architectural Digest’s 100 foremost architects in 1991, according to background materials from the listing team.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of foremost
Adverb
  • Organizations are failing to equip managers with crucial strategic and relational skills, instead focusing on technical AI training for tasks AI will soon automate.
    — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The suspect then allegedly attempted to steal the homeowner's vehicle but instead took his bicycle and fled.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • He was beaten rather handily by Napoleon Solo, the victor, and Iron Honor, in place, and was never a real threat to either horse.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • State lawmakers argued that schools should not be delaying reporting AI nudes until their own probes end but rather should be required to promptly tip off police, who are better positioned to investigate the crimes.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Definition of rather
Adjective
  • The gallery program, presented by Artforum, is the cornerstone of the inaugural event, bringing together more than 76 world renowned galleries shaping the contemporary art world.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The impact the charities have is the reason NBA Stars like Kevin Durant wanted to be a part of this inaugural event.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Adjective
  • The company has committed to investing at least $1 billion to construct one roughly 300,000-square-foot facility, but the campus could expand to include up to five primary buildings, officials have said.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Whether Castillo and Gausman can return to form and help their respective clubs get deep into October will be a primary storyline here the rest of the year.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • In a new subscriber-exclusive newsletter, NBC News’ chief data analyst, Steve Kornacki, will get into the numbers, trends and data shaping the biggest stories heading into the midterms.
    — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Disney's chief product and technology officer, Adam Smith, reportedly discussed the possibility of a free tier during an internal company town hall earlier this week.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of chief

Phrases Containing first

Browse Nearby Words

firm (up)
first
first base
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Cite this Entry

“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of first for Spanish Speakers

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