earliest

adjective

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
  1. first
  2. initial
  3. original
  4. foremost
Adjective
  • Rodney Rice had 15 points and nine assists in his first game since a season-ending shoulder injury last year, and KJ Lewis added 10 points.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The first is solid-state chlorination, which is being developed by project partner TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of first
Adjective
  • Researchers say the technology could provide critical initial treatment when conventional rescue teams cannot safely reach casualties.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Imagineering is limiting the initial experimental sandbox test to Disneyland Magic Keyholders before expanding access to the app to the general public in early 2027.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • Accommodations range in personalities, from garden-level bungalows with private entrances to poolside cabanas and upstairs suites tucked into the original mansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The model builds on the original AlphaGenome, which maps molecular activity across a broad range of tissues and covers both coding and non-coding regions of the genome.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • My health and long-term well-being remain my foremost priorities.
    — Mike Toole, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Now its glassy waters are the centerpiece of new glamping cabins that cater to Cuyuna Country, one of the Midwest’s foremost mountain biking destinations.
    — Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of foremost
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

earlier
earliest
earliness
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Cite this Entry

“Earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earliest. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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