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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Atom Power developed the world’s first commercial solid-state circuit breaker, which is drawing attention from hyperscale data centers to meet performance demands and safety needs.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026 -
The backstory Fufu Tokyo Ginza is the first urban property from Fufu Japan, a brand known for intimate onsen retreats in quieter corners of the country, seven of which hold Michelin Key distinctions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The lawsuit claims none of the arrests led to convictions and some were never prosecuted because police lacked probable cause to make the initial arrest.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Arkapaw said her initial call with Coogler was expansive and discussed everything about the story.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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When there’s an intervening cloud of neutral matter in the way, for example, the original signal will be partially absorbed at a specific set of wavelengths by that matter.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Mar. 2026
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The original 1935 film that inspired Gyllenhaal’s version also followed that vein.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Daniel Yergin, one of the world’s foremost energy experts, notes how China has become resilient in a different way, by pouring oil into storage for a rainy day.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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Over the course of less than two decades, stop-motion animation house Laika has established itself as of one of the foremost makers of the beloved artform.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earliest. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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