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
Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Was there a sense of pressure returning to this world after the success of the first film?
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 29 June 2025
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
The initiative was first previewed in Adams’ State of the City address in January and launched Wednesday at the Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory High School in Brooklyn’s Ocean Hill.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
The legislation centers on making permanent many benefits from Trump's first term that would otherwise expire by year's end, potentially triggering automatic increases for millions of Americans.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Was there a sense of pressure returning to this world after the success of the first film?
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 29 June 2025
Adverb
Crew chief Marvin Hudson first pointed to the Padres dugout, where Padres manager Mike Shildt did not show any response.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
The initiative was first previewed in Adams’ State of the City address in January and launched Wednesday at the Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory High School in Brooklyn’s Ocean Hill.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
Pele made it 3-1, then Zagallo put the game to bed with Brazil’s fourth after his initial corner was not cleared.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
In the initial preemptive attack, Israel hit the same three sites targeted by the U.S. Several top Iranian nuclear scientists and the top general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in the operation, according to Iran.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
Harper isn’t devoid of faults, with the two main ones being his defensive focus and inconsistent jump-shooting.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The investment firm said Advanced Auto Parts might be losing market share to its main rivals and that the stock appears to be trading at an extended valuation.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Giard grew up to become both a voracious reader (with a B.A. in English and American literature from Yale and an M.A. in comparative literature from Boston University) and a foremost chronicler of writers.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 June 2025
-
One of the Jet Propulsion Lab’s foremost scientists says the futuristic outpost is still hoping against hope that the president’s plan for NASA will be overturned by Congress.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adverb
-
Avoid trendy or clashing colors and instead opt for timeless, natural tones with dimension; consider roof slope and visibility to match style with practicality.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
25 June 2025
-
In an attempt to preserve public trust, the government instead broke it, Offit said.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2025
Adverb
-
For the author, what may sound at first blush like a macho story of man conquering nature is not so much about a feat of endurance, but rather about community.—
Taylor Haney,
NPR,
18 June 2025
-
Lapointe doesn't think that's to do with age, but rather the culture of social media and the idea of capturing memories to watch back later.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
The inaugural recipient will be honored at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Week in Las Vegas in November.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
28 June 2025
-
Among those receiving clemency are a pair of reality TV stars, a straw donor who gave $900,000 to Trump’s first inaugural committee and a Virginia sheriff sentenced to 10 years for deputizing several businessmen in exchange for cash payments.—
Jim Mustian,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
And the Silver chief financial officer, who was expected to be in court with documents, was a no-show.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
25 June 2025
-
Daniel Danker, the chief product officer at Instacart, was among the early risers at the venue.—
Katherine Fung,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adverb
-
Ideally, Newcastle desire experience working at a club which has regularly qualified for European football — and preferably the Champions League.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
-
From $6,750 per person for Hinoki Travels’ seven-night Interdependence: East Greenland trip, excluding flights from Reykjavik. Chloe Berge is a travel journalist drawn to adventures in the world’s rugged, remote corners, preferably exploring them on foot.—
Chloe Berge,
Outside Online,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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