as in first
coming before all others in time or order
the earliest computers were massive machines that practically filled up a room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earliest
Adjective
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But midway through the first, Nayeli Thayer (two assists) found Cataruzolo for a shot at the right post and a 2-0 lead on the rebound after Metzler stuffed the first bid.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026 -
During this more recent round of Epstein disclosures, Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University and Treasury secretary in the Clinton administration, was among the first business leaders to experience professional blowback.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Public pressure became even stronger after the initial wave of Ukrainian liberations of towns around Kyiv revealed Russian atrocities – including mass killings of civilians.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Authorities in Minnesota are investigating two more fatal house fires after an initial deadly blaze last weekend.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Now a Westin now, the property includes a modern tower, upping the original room count of 75 to 791.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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The scientists returned in 2019 and located the original site using drones and GPS.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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About Artforum Artforum is the magazine of record for the contemporary art industry and holds the unique roles of institution, nexus, and foremost tastemaker of the art world.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
11 Feb. 2026
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Here are the foremost players who hit that category for the Broncos in 2026, according to OvertheCap.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earliest. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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