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.
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Recent Examples of first
Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Don’t miss what’s happening People on X are the first to know.
—X (formerly Twitter), 8 Sep. 2025
Libby Page, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Having built an impressive resume that counts Naomi Campbell as an early client, the star first worked closely with mentor Pat McGrath to develop his skills, soon becoming one of the most coveted make-up artists in the industry.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
By Anders Melin | Bloomberg Larry Ellison has become the world’s richest person for the first time, ending Elon Musk’s nearly year-long reign in the top spot.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
Don’t miss what’s happening People on X are the first to know.
—X (formerly Twitter), 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store after eyeing them first on a little screen.
—Libby Page, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Having built an impressive resume that counts Naomi Campbell as an early client, the star first worked closely with mentor Pat McGrath to develop his skills, soon becoming one of the most coveted make-up artists in the industry.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
After an initial jam session to determine musical abilities and interests, participants are paired up and assigned to a counselor who manages their activities for the week.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
As other guests like Futura, Natasha Lyonne, Common and Marisa Tomei arrived at Saga after their initial experiences, and hungry for more, dinner was just getting underway for the Moon group.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The character collection leans into more alternate builds for main characters.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Use jig and pigs 18 to 25 feet deep along brush piles or main lake points with a gradual slope.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In 1951, Husseini’s associates murdered one of his foremost rivals, King Abdullah of Jordan.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Ryan Hohman,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Petro has scaled back efforts to target drug supply, instead trying to solve the issue through social programs.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Skip the sheep-counting and cup of chamomile, and luxuriate in the sleep-inducing blend of calming lavender oil, soothing balsam resin, moisturizing sweet almond oil, and relaxing magnesium salt flakes instead.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Just not my cup of tea, or rather only in small doses.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
But those defenses, more then Vrabel's new unit, were interested in gap control and keeping everything in front of them rather then penetration and creating negative plays.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The British band’s inaugural stop in Latin America on their highly successful Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour — which launched in Cardiff, Wales, on July 4 — drew a crowd of 65,000 fans at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros, according to promoter OCESA.—
Natalia Cano,
Billboard,
13 Sep. 2025
-
An expansion team reached the playoffs in its inaugural season.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Professionally, Austin remains close to the game as the chief operating officer of sports analytics company Pro Football Focus.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent at The New York Times, said last night.—
The Editors,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
How To See The Chi Cygnids Meteor Shower The best way to see any meteor shower is to go stargazing for a few hours, preferably on a dark, moonless night sky away from light pollution (consult a light pollution map or travel to a Dark Sky Place).—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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