first

first

adjective

Definition of FIRST

1

coming before all others in time or order <the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic>

Synonyms earliest, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin

Related Words ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial; antecedent, preceding, previous

Near Antonyms advanced, late; consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding; penultimate

Antonyms final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate

2

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 arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Related Words distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

Antonyms last, least

3

highest in rank or authority <auditioned and got first clarinet in the band>

Synonyms chief, commanding, first, foremost, high, lead, leading, preeminent, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supereminent, supreme, top

Related Words high-level, senior; controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory; main, major, paramount, predominant, predominate, sovereign (also sovran); ascendant (also ascendent), dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermost

Near Antonyms ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary; assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under