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
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2026
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
Nick Griffin of the business improvement district DTLA Alliance said activating storefronts is a worthy goal as long as the city first makes the streets both safe and pleasant for pedestrians.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
The woman who became SNL’s first female head writer is about to launch the show’s most ambitious international experiment yet — from London.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2026
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Comparatively, Iran has launched three hundred attacks on about a dozen countries in the region that, aside from Israel, did not attack it first.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
Nick Griffin of the business improvement district DTLA Alliance said activating storefronts is a worthy goal as long as the city first makes the streets both safe and pleasant for pedestrians.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
Some of the future document cuts after the initial website launch will include public city datasets, which staff said could be removed if they aren’t required to be posted online and aren’t frequently accessed.—
Chaya Tong,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
-
People may also develop a rash that usually starts on the face several days after the initial symptoms develop.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Tucked away off Lagos’ Admiralty Way main road, you’d be forgiven for mistaking its polite green exterior for something residential upon viewing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
-
This main compartment is also lined with pockets that are perfect for storing small eye shadow palettes or bronzers.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the city’s leading trade promotion agency, the event has grown over three decades into Asia’s foremost marketplace for film and television content.—
Faye Bradley,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Jackson Hinkle, the foremost American Putinophile of his generation, was less restrained than the Guardian columnist.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
In her closet were seven Ungaros, three Rykiels, a Kamali bathing suit and a Kamali sleeping-bag coat, five Kenzo dresses, two pieces from the Ballets Russes collection of Saint Laurent—all of which were trades or payments in kind, none of them mothballed, but instead worn ostentatiously and often.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
No penalty was given; Charlotte got a corner instead.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
This, more than the rather treacly spectacle of Barbra Streisand serenading the late Robert Redford, was the film history high point of the night.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
-
This distinction is rather simple.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2025, the venue hosted King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s inaugural Field of Vision festival and Pretty Lights’ first Yahn Dawn festival.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
-
This rule includes the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, which had its inaugural run in January, and the upcoming women’s World Cup in Brazil next summer.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Often referred to as the state’s chief fiscal officer, the state comptroller pays the state’s bills, monitors fiscal compliance, records transactions and contracts and issues reports that guide the governor and legislature on budget decisions.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
In Brussels, the European Union's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas noted Tuesday that Russia stands to gain from higher energy prices and the rerouting of advanced Western air defense systems from Ukraine to the Middle East.—
JILL LAWLESS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Stick to the real thing, preferably made by professionals.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Sending this type of formal letter — preferably by certified mail — can immediately limit future contact.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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