FIRSTHAND Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

firsthand

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈhand

Definition of firsthand

as in primary

done or working without something else coming in between had firsthand knowledge of the events of that evening

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of firsthand Translating Experience Into Meaningful Action Building from his knowledge of healthcare leadership and his firsthand understanding of cancer’s impact, Goldsmith resolved to make his voice heard. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Mendoza values Brady's firsthand insights, particularly on prioritizing team goals and caring for teammates over individual glory. — Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 And none is more seasoned than Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski, who was a firsthand witness to the primes of elite running backs Adrian Peterson and Nick Chubb, and views Bijan Robinson firmly in the same tier. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 1 July 2026 Nwodim pointed out that O’Connell has firsthand experience of their ineffectiveness. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for firsthand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firsthand

Adjective

Because, as a one-off measure, FIFA would not have been the primary beneficiary.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Detectives identified Stevenson Tuimavave as the primary suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest and a search of his home, police said.

— Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

This was a different era, when most teams at that level would have played direct, physical football.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The last major hurricane to hit Miami-Dade County was the catastrophic Hurricane Andrew in 1992, but the city did not take a direct hit.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

Unlike wealthy nations with the reserves and infrastructure to buffer the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, import-dependent economies are more vulnerable to immediate, cascading supply chain shocks.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
In addition to the immediate danger of fire and the loss of key summer revenue, northern Minnesotans (and much of the country) is facing unhealthy to hazardous air quality conditions.

— Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026