FIRSTLY Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

firstly

adverb

ˈfərst-lē

Definition of firstly

as in originally

in the beginning firstly, gather all the ingredients together

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 firstly If experiencing heat illness, Helberg recommends, firstly, calling 911 for medical help. — Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026 The three ingredients at the start was firstly Julian’s love of American vintage clothing and the approach to vintage American cotton. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 Chronis has been with the fund since 2019, firstly as a feature film consultant and then as Head of Feature Film & Documentary since 2021. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 Um, firstly, thank you everybody for, for, for coming and joining us today for this conversation. — Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firstly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firstly

Adverb

Malosso — who claimed to be the legal representative of the land owner, a business based in the British Virgin Islands — had originally applied for planning permission to build a garage, according to court documents.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
The café, mezcal bar, and restaurant is a celebration of the foodways of Guadalajara, where the elder Suro originally immigrated before landing in Philly.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of originally

Adverb

Officials initially responded Saturday morning to a 911 call about a vehicle fire in unincorporated Washington County, outside the city of Forest Grove.

— Joe Kottke, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Yet after initially acknowledging the economic struggle, the government once again accused the protesters of being foreign agents before unleashing one of the worst crackdowns in the Islamic Republic’s history.

— Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of initially

Browse Nearby Words

first-line

firstly

first name

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“Firstly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firstly. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of firstly

adverb

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