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
  • The Valkyries took off in the second quarter after another slow start, ending the first half on an 11-0 run on the way to a 44-28 lead at the break.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • View this post on Instagram Charles Esten Charles Esten recalled his first time meeting Panettiere while auditioning for Nashville.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of first
Adjective
  • The captain did not enter a plea during an initial appearance in federal court on August 10.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • According to police, Rodriguez hired her son as a security guard with an initial salary of $42,000.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • Buckcherry’s current lineup includes Todd as the only original member, Dacanay, guitarist Billy Rowe, bass player Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Francis Ruiz.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026
  • And with most of the original cast now long gone, the latest sequel often feels as cursed as that treacherous netherworld.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • Jeff Nichols is not only one of cinema’s foremost chroniclers of the American South, but is doing his damnedest to revitalize the film scene in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Similarly, the world’s foremost perfumeries haven’t collaborated with elite motorcar brands.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earliest. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on earliest

Nglish: Translation of earliest for Spanish Speakers

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