Synonyms of first

first 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfərst 

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

• initial
• inaugural
• original
• foremost
• earliest
• maiden
• previous
• early
• pioneer
• premier
• primary
• headmost
• prime
• preceding
• leadoff
• virgin
• primordial
• ancient
• primeval
• primitive
• primal
• antecedent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• final
• latter
• latest
• ultimate
• terminal
• late
• following
• subsequent
• advanced
• terminating
• succeeding
• ensuing
• consequent
• penultimate

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

• main
• greatest
• highest
• foremost
• primary
• predominant
• big
• dominant
• leading
• principal
• key
• chief
• prior
• central
• supreme
• great
• cardinal
• paramount
• premier
• overriding
• master
• primal
• top
• major
• sovereign
• capital
• number one
• grand
• overbearing
• distinguished
• outstanding
• senior
• important
• preeminent
• notable
• noteworthy
• illustrious
• prestigious
• overmastering
• stellar
• arch
• numero uno
• eminent
• signal
• momentous
• high-level
• influential
• superior
• star
• famous
• significant
• mighty
• celebrated
• noble
• famed
• unparalleled
• incomparable
• renowned
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• slight
• negligible
• trivial
• insignificant
• unimportant
• secondary
• subordinate
• inferior
• collateral
• inconsequential
• trifling
• inconsiderable
• subsidiary

3

as in foremost

highest in rank or authority

auditioned and got first clarinet in the band

Synonyms & Similar Words

• foremost
• chief
• presiding
• top
• commanding
• primary
• lead
• supreme
• leading
• senior
• principal
• high
• prime
• head
• premier
• main
• in charge
• major
• preeminent
• supereminent
• high-level
• predominant
• managing
• dominant
• supervisory
• upper
• overseeing
• controlling
• paramount
• directing
• reigning
• topmost
• predominate
• ruling
• uppermost
• sovereign
• officiating
• superior
• grand
• regnant
• ascendant
• upmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• second
• last
• less
• lower
• secondary
• lesser
• subordinate
• ancillary
• subsidiary
• lowly
• inferior
• junior
• assistant
• under
• assisting
• deputy
• coadjutor

first

2 of 2

adverb

1

as in instead

as a substitute

eat peas? I'd eat cockroaches first

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instead
• rather
• in lieu
• alternately
• alternatively

2

as in rather

by choice or preference

we will not give in, but will fight for our freedom first

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rather
• preferably
• soon
• willingly
• readily
• either
• instead
• fain
• alternately
• alternatively
• voluntarily
• optionally
• gladly
• electively
• obligingly
• desirably
• wishfully

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• involuntarily
• reluctantly
• unwillingly
• forcibly
• willy-nilly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of first

Adjective

In his first role following his military service, Song Kang (Sweet Home) stars as Kang Pi-o, the perfectionist grandson of a renowned maestro whose mother pushes him to be the very best. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Lafayette 148 will open its first Dallas boutique at NorthPark Center Tuesday, establishing a dedicated presence in the 30-year-old brand’s top five markets. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Adverb

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, first given in 1901, has been awarded 116 times to 232 winners for innovations in medicine and biological sciences. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026

Last month, Democracy Docket surpassed 500,000 free email subscribers, the company first told Semafor, including 70,000 subscribers paying $10 a month or $120 per year. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing first

• at first
• first blush
• first estate
• first name