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
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Recent Examples of first
John R. Lott Jr, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
At least one Dolphins player sustained an injury during the game -- cornerback Ethan Bonner, who clutched at his left leg following a first half play.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The news of the frozen funds was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
During the first half of 2025, violent crime in Washington, D.C., fell 25%, with robberies dropping 26% compared to the same period in 2024.
—John R. Lott Jr, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
At least one Dolphins player sustained an injury during the game -- cornerback Ethan Bonner, who clutched at his left leg following a first half play.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Adverb
The sports media outlet owned by The New York Times will be paying seven figures to bring the show onto its platform, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the deal Tuesday.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The news of the frozen funds was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
After Columbia County's initial involvement with the police report, the matter was referred to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to the sheriff's office.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
7 Aug. 2025
-
At the time, Commissioner Dave Young and former Commissioner Pat South asked the development’s owner to levy voluntary impact fees to offset initial costs for new students.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Blood of My Blood tells the origin stories of the Outlander main characters' families, in this epic romantic drama.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The report outlined three main policy goals: improving student literacy, strengthening the teacher workforce, and empowering parents.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
James DiNardo,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Cornell was the foremost beneficiary of the Morrill Act Both Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin are land-grant universities that profited from lands taken from Indigenous nations, as did at least 50 other universities throughout the U.S.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
As employees are expected to return to the office, many decide to leave the company instead.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
-
They instead are legally required to document the specific facts establishing that believe, while also articulating the facts that leave them to believe that an individual inside a vehicle is in the country illegally.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Brawner was issued $85,000 and $50,000 fines, paying back $130,000. Of those funds, $117,000 served as restitution and went back to the food bank, or rather the new food bank, Feed Sumner.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Texas Republicans argue that this is not about race but rather about political parties.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The festival, which hosted its inaugural slate of performances in 2015, will continue the tradition of spotlighting a fresh local talent pool this year.—
Heather Bushman,
IndyStar,
15 Aug. 2025
-
It will be overseen by its own board of directors, with Druker serving as its inaugural president.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
As the chief federal law enforcement officer, Grant is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and representing the U.S. in civil cases.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
In an email, Leila Santillán, the nonprofit’s chief operating officer, said the improvement in scores citywide was largely driven by gains in Fort Worth ISD.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Or, perhaps preferably, turn away from watermarks and towards tactics that can positively prove an image’s authenticity, such as content credentials.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Extra Tips For Best Results To get the most out of using vinegar in your laundry, here are a few extra tips to make sure your clothes come out soft and fresh every time: Always dilute your vinegar with water, preferably a 1:1 ratio, to prevent unexpected damage.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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