: of the first order of size, importance, or quality
a first-rate chef/book/education
Service there is always first-rate.
first-rateness
noun
: very well
… is getting along first-rate …—
Mark Twain
Mark TwainSynonyms of first-rate
Examples of first-rate in a Sentence
Adjective
wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using
Recent Examples on the Web
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
While the Dutch Caribbean island has no shortage of first-rate beaches (Playa Lagun and Playa Porto Marie will take your breath away), those are just the start of the many destinations that deserve to be on your must-see list.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Sherrie Nachman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023
The island is known for its outdoor experiences, including first-rate scuba diving at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, kayaking Salt Lake in Vatudamu, and hiking to see Maroroya Falls.
—Adrienne Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for first-rate
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Adjective
Still, Fisher’s instincts and zone awareness are first-rate.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
While the Dutch Caribbean island has no shortage of first-rate beaches (Playa Lagun and Playa Porto Marie will take your breath away), those are just the start of the many destinations that deserve to be on your must-see list.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Adverb
The sushi is first-rate and the creative rolls include the Rainbow which manages to contains tuna, salmon, hamachi, shrimp and avocado.
—Sherrie Nachman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023
The island is known for its outdoor experiences, including first-rate scuba diving at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, kayaking Salt Lake in Vatudamu, and hiking to see Maroroya Falls.
—Adrienne Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for first-rate
Cite this Entry
“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-rate. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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