in the first degree
idiom
: of the most serious type : deserving the harshest punishment
She was accused of murder in the first degree.
Examples of in the first degree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Califf pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree in the youth part of Bronx Supreme Court in a plea deal, avoiding the possibility of being convicted of the top charge of murder had the case gone to trial.
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Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
He has been charged with disorderly conduct, assault and harassment in the first degree, all misdemeanors, according to the complaint.
—Clara McMichael, ABC News, 18 July 2025
In December of last year, Craig was charged with solicitation to commit murder in the first degree and solicitation to commit perjury in the first degree.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Barry Morphew was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder in the first degree after deliberation on June 20 in relation to the death of his wife, 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew, who was also the mother to two daughters.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
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Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
He has been charged with disorderly conduct, assault and harassment in the first degree, all misdemeanors, according to the complaint.
—Clara McMichael, ABC News, 18 July 2025
In December of last year, Craig was charged with solicitation to commit murder in the first degree and solicitation to commit perjury in the first degree.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Barry Morphew was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder in the first degree after deliberation on June 20 in relation to the death of his wife, 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew, who was also the mother to two daughters.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the first degree
Cite this Entry
“In the first degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20first%20degree. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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