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
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The first public execution by guillotine took place in 1792.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Autonomous vehicles, slated to first operate in Baltimore, are now here, with the potential to significantly reduce the trauma on Maryland roads.
—John Seng, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
Starters carry weight Suggs got going early with a nine-point first quarter and had 13 by the half with four rebounds and four assists.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The first public execution by guillotine took place in 1792.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Tickets will be available by category at first with specific seats being assigned closer to the event.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Autonomous vehicles, slated to first operate in Baltimore, are now here, with the potential to significantly reduce the trauma on Maryland roads.
—John Seng, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
The initial rally happened on June 14, a week after the uptick in immigration enforcement operations in LA County.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
At the time of the initial gun battle, the MacEgans were on an afternoon walk through a nearby field.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Demonstrators flocked to protests around the country to march, stand in crowds or line main streets.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Sirens alerted people to seek shelter in and around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer Sheba and areas near the country’s main nuclear research center, which were targeted by Iranian strikes that injured dozens last weekend.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The meeting has been positioned as a critical opportunity for both sides to reset the relationship between the world’s two foremost economic and military powers.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
-
When unfunded entitlements in Social Security, Medicare, and other long-term obligations are factored in, the true fiscal gap approaches $100 trillion — a figure consistent with analysis from Penn Wharton Budget Model director Kent Smetters, one of America’s foremost fiscal economists.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
During the class, Renee didn’t explicitly dwell on the price drop, instead choosing to emphasize the highs.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But officials said earlier this year the city was no longer interested in the takeover, and, instead, Lyster said the city is eyeing transit options to link multiple billion-dollar developments around Anaheim.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
When fasting, Catholic followers are not required to fast completely but rather to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full one.—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The house did not have a European or East Coast seriousness, but rather a Californian dimension rooted in casualness, improvisation, and lack of pretension.—
Rem Koolhaas,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The inaugural Barbie Dream Fest, Friday through Sunday.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their first-ever playoff series, the expansion WNBA franchise has earned multiple Associated Press awards in its inaugural season.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The law took effect in January 2024 and allows certain people — like family members, county or city attorneys and chief law enforcement officers — to file the petition, known as an extreme risk protection order.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Manufacturing activity in March gathered momentum as factories rushed to resume production after an extended national holiday in mid-February, said Huo Lihui, chief statistician at NBS.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Hearing aid batteries should be stored out of sight and up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Having an attorney's contact on standby – preferably on an easily accessible piece of paper – could be useful if passengers feel their rights are being violated.—
Hannah Hudnall,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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