1
as in initial
coming before all others in time or order
the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in main
coming before all others in importance
there are a number of reasons we can't go, but the first is that we don't have the money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in foremost
highest in rank or authority
auditioned and got first clarinet in the band
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in instead
as a substitute
eat peas? I'd eat cockroaches first
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in rather
by choice or preference
we will not give in, but will fight for our freedom first
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of first
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
With two runners on base and two outs in the first inning, Juan Soto misplayed a fly ball in right field, leading to two runs.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Burr first described going to the island country of Bahrain — which is more socially liberal than Saudi Arabia — where a customs agent immediately clocked his anxiety about doing stand-up in the region and gave him grief about it.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
Both sides were selected from the 23 senior reality show contestants who had arrived days earlier at the Bachelor Mansion to meet Owens for the first time.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
With two runners on base and two outs in the first inning, Juan Soto misplayed a fly ball in right field, leading to two runs.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Even if leaders did strike an agreement, the House would have to pass it first — and House Republicans are out of town through the end of the week.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Burr first described going to the island country of Bahrain — which is more socially liberal than Saudi Arabia — where a customs agent immediately clocked his anxiety about doing stand-up in the region and gave him grief about it.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
Most Venezuelans in similar situations have only received the initial receipt notice, a valid document that provides protection under TPS.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The modified molecule is more easily reduced during the battery’s initial charge.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Greek Yogurt Has More Protein If your main goal is to include more protein in your diet, consider breakfasts featuring Greek yogurt.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His main goal behind joining Interesting Engineering is to learn more about how the recent technological advancements are helping human beings on both societal and individual levels in their daily lives.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
On August 31, the International Association of Genocide Scholars—the foremost academic body in the field—voted to affirm that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
One of the foremost images of American exceptionalism is that of the strong frontier woman taming the elements alongside her husband while also keeping the hearth burning and the bellies full.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Print less, and choosing the printer with cheaper ink (or toner) will have cost you money instead.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The next day, coach Mike Macdonald conceded that Seattle instead could have — and perhaps should have — used its version of the tush push with tight end AJ Barner, who has twice converted in short-yardage situations this season.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
At the time, Bailey denied claims that the film was initially rejected due to censorship but rather footage clearance and security concerns.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Or rather not sitting, but dancing.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In the 2024 matchup, in Eagle Mountain’s inaugural season, Benbrook won 28-24.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Sep. 2025
-
However, the inaugural festival has quickly gained controversy for its association with Saudi Arabia and the country's authoritarian regime.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at the real estate company Redfin, got wind of the growing interest in co-buying through stories from the company's agents.—
Rhaina Cohen,
NPR,
28 Sep. 2025
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Notably, Americans’ stock ownership has surpassed that of the late 1990s, just before dot-com bubble burst, said John Higgins, chief markets economist at the consultancy Capital Economics.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Access codes, combinations or key locations should be kept preferably in only gun owners’ memories or somewhere else others can’t find them.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The ultimate goal for any rescue is a deep, sound sleep—preferably surrounded by a mountain of soft pillows.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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