foremost

1 of 2

adjective

fore·​most ˈfȯr-ˌmōst 

1

: first in a series or progression

Safety is their foremost concern.

2

: of first rank or position : preeminent

He is the foremost authority on the American Civil War period.

foremost

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in the first place

2

: most importantly

first and foremost

Synonyms

Adjective

• arch
• big
• capital
• cardinal
• central
• chief
• dominant
• first
• grand
• great
• greatest
• highest
• key
• leading
• main
• master
• number one
• No. 1
• numero uno
• overbearing
• overmastering
• overriding
• paramount
• predominant
• preeminent
• premier
• primal
• primary
• principal
• prior
• sovereign
• sovran
• supreme

Examples of foremost in a Sentence

Adjective

Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century.

wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. —Naeem Ghauri, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

This return to immigration law-and-order was the foremost promise of his 2024 campaign. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

Adverb

In Latest Mock Draft Raiders Make Massive Trade-Up to Land Potential Superstar in Latest Mock Draft That said, in terms of fits, the offensive line comes first and foremost for the Seahawks, and tackle Kelvin Banks out of Texas could solve their problems in a variety of ways. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025

Beverage Bliss First and foremost, the bar is stocked with some of the world’s most premium spirits, an extensive wine (and bubbly) list, and an array of Sake options. —Deanna Taylor, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foremost

• first and foremost
• foremost/uppermost in someone's mind

Rhymes for foremost

• diagnosed
• easternmost
• innermost
• lowermost
• milepost
• northernmost
• outermost
• rearmost
• southernmost
• uppermost
• uttermost
• westernmost

Kids Definition

foremost

adjective

fore·​most

-ˌmōst

: first in time, place, or order : most important

foremost adverb