first

1 as a substitute eat peas? I'd eat cockroaches first Synonyms instead, ratherRelated Words alternately, alternatively

2 by choice or preference we will not give in, but will fight for our freedom first Synonyms fain, rather, preferably, readily, soon, willinglyRelated Words alternately, alternatively, either, instead; electively, optionally; desirably, gladly, wishfully; obligingly, voluntarilyNear Antonyms reluctantly; forcibly, willy-nillyAntonyms involuntarily, unwillingly

1 coming before all others in time or order the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic Synonyms earliest, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin Related Words ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial; antecedent, preceding, previous Near Antonyms advanced, late; consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding; penultimate Antonyms 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 arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supremeRelated Words 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, renownedNear Antonyms inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiaryAntonyms last, least

3 highest in rank or authority auditioned and got first clarinet in the band Synonyms chief, commanding, head, foremost, high, lead, leading, preeminent, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supereminent, supreme, topRelated Words 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, uppermostNear Antonyms ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary; assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under