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
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
Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Was there a sense of pressure returning to this world after the success of the first film?
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 29 June 2025
Essence, 19 June 2025
Hamby didn’t, as required by law, first file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
The legislation centers on making permanent many benefits from Trump's first term that would otherwise expire by year's end, potentially triggering automatic increases for millions of Americans.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Was there a sense of pressure returning to this world after the success of the first film?
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 29 June 2025
Adverb
After connecting with Javier, whose intentionality in caring for the health of your hair first, my perspective changed.
—Essence, 19 June 2025
Hamby didn’t, as required by law, first file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
The project saw its construction costs triple from an initial request for proposals estimate of $54 million in 2021 to its final budget of $152 million, which was presented to the University of California Board of Regents for approval in 2022.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
-
The film added an additional $30 million overseas, propelling its initial worldwide tally to $60 million.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
The 18th Street gang has around 30,000 to 50,000 members, with its main source of income being distribution of cocaine and marijuana.—
Sophia Compton , Bill Melugin,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
-
Facing a harbor filled with sailboats, Avalon is the island's main tourist hub, and where most tourists will stay, from hotels such as the century-old Hotel Atwater to Airbnbs.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
One of the Jet Propulsion Lab’s foremost scientists says the futuristic outpost is still hoping against hope that the president’s plan for NASA will be overturned by Congress.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Giard grew up to become both a voracious reader (with a B.A. in English and American literature from Yale and an M.A. in comparative literature from Boston University) and a foremost chronicler of writers.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 June 2025
Adverb
-
Avoid trendy or clashing colors and instead opt for timeless, natural tones with dimension; consider roof slope and visibility to match style with practicality.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
25 June 2025
-
In an attempt to preserve public trust, the government instead broke it, Offit said.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2025
Adverb
-
Per Deadline, Branagh will play Streep’s onscreen husband, or rather, the fourth Mr. Miranda Priestly.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
30 June 2025
-
Soon, the Red Sox will turn their attention to the MLB Draft that's approaching rather quickly.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The inaugural recipient will be honored at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Week in Las Vegas in November.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
28 June 2025
-
An inaugural train departed from Chongqing East Railway Station and reached Qianjiang Railway Station, marking the launch of the 242-kilometer segment of the Chongqing-Xiamen high-speed railway, according to China Daily.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Dennis Cary, the airline’s senior vice president and chief commercial officer, said Copa will typically review its routes twice a year to gauge demand as the seasons change, but early bookings show promise for the new San Diego flight.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
-
Daniel Danker, the chief product officer at Instacart, was among the early risers at the venue.—
Katherine Fung,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adverb
-
Ideally, Newcastle desire experience working at a club which has regularly qualified for European football — and preferably the Champions League.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
-
From $6,750 per person for Hinoki Travels’ seven-night Interdependence: East Greenland trip, excluding flights from Reykjavik. Chloe Berge is a travel journalist drawn to adventures in the world’s rugged, remote corners, preferably exploring them on foot.—
Chloe Berge,
Outside Online,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share