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first

adverb

Synonyms and Antonyms of first

1 as a substitute
  • Eat anchovies? I'd eat dirt first.
Synonyms of first

instead, rather
Words Related to first

alternately, alternatively
Phrases Synonymous with first

in lieu
2 by choice or preference
  • We will not give in, but will fight for our freedom first.
Synonyms of first

preferably, rather, readily, soon, willingly
Words Related to first

alternately, alternatively, either, instead

desirably, gladly, wishfully

obligingly, voluntarily
Near Antonyms of first

reluctantly

forcibly, willy-nilly
Antonyms of first

involuntarily, unwillingly

first

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of first

1 coming before all others in time or order
  • the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic
Synonyms of first

earliest, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin
Words Related to first

ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial

antecedent, preceding, previous
Near Antonyms of first

advanced, late

consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding

penultimate
Antonyms of first

final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate
2 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 of first

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, overbearing, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
Words Related to first

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior

high-level, senior, top

important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant

incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed

celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
Near Antonyms of first

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant

collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary
Antonyms of first

last, least
3 highest in rank or authority
  • auditioned and got first clarinet in the band
Synonyms of first

chief, commanding, foremost, head, high, lead, leading, preeminent, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supreme, top
Words Related to first

high-level, senior

controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory

main, major, paramount, predominant, predominate, sovereign (also sovran)

ascendant (also ascendent), dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermost
Phrases Synonymous with first

in charge
Near Antonyms of first

ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under

Learn More about first

  1. See words that rhyme with first Dictionary: Definition of first Spanish Central: Translation of first Nglish: Translation of first for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of first for Arabic speakers

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