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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of first
Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 27 May 2026
The sequence started in the first quarter when Wembanyama bumped into Holmgren, adding another physical chapter to the growing battle between the two young stars.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 May 2026
At first, there was evidence that the animal was indeed part of the Thaumelodone genus.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
Saugus has won multiple playoff games in each of its first two seasons under head coach Mike Miller.
—Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 27 May 2026
The sequence started in the first quarter when Wembanyama bumped into Holmgren, adding another physical chapter to the growing battle between the two young stars.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Adverb
And before taking a whack at a ball on clay, Shelton first had to learn how to get to it properly.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 May 2026
At first, there was evidence that the animal was indeed part of the Thaumelodone genus.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
Before releasing his initial budget in April, the mayor urged the council not to make significant cuts to homelessness, contending that could reverse notable progress the city has made on the issue.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
However, if a company lacks substance and constantly requires cash, the euphoria can be short-lived, particularly after the lockup expires and initial investors begin to exit.—
David Capablanca,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Dylan Redford, who serves as co-creator, director, editor, cinematographer, production sound mixer, main title editor and motion design director on the series, is the grandson of the late Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor and Sundance Film Festival founder who died last year at 89.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
30 May 2026
-
Entergy New Orleans, the city’s main electric utility, has an accelerated grid-hardening plan that aims to replace existing utility poles with more fortified poles to withstand higher winds and selectively move some lines underground in high-risk areas.—
Sufan Jiang,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Mayank Kejriwal,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Lubrano has emerged as one of the foremost experts on anti-technology extremism.—
Daniel Boguslaw,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2026
Adverb
-
An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
The new method instead incorporates physiological feedback from the insect, enabling the technology to respond to its state in real time.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
30 May 2026
Adverb
-
Curling tomato leaves are certainly alarming, but sometimes the cause is rather simple.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
Who should the Knicks rather play?—
Bob Harkins,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Marcus Ingvartsen has become one of the league’s most efficient finishers, Anders Dreyer remains the club’s creative pulse and Mikey Varas’ team still plays with the possession-heavy ambition that caught everyone by surprise in its inaugural season.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Being a part of the inaugural season with this team is really special.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Steven Thomas, chief economist at Reports on Housing, sees a balanced market (sellers and buyers) with a slight downward price pressure as inventory levels rise.—
Jeff Lazerson,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
-
Bavesh Janavlekar, who has overseen Zee’s Marathi-language movies cluster across linear and studio operations, will take on an additional role as chief business officer of Unite8 Sports.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Adverb
-
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
-
Anyone who observes the behavior is asked to move away immediately, preferably toward the water’s edge.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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