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
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
Chad Baker-Mazara was hot early for the Trojans, hitting four three-pointers and totaling 14 by the break, but no other USC player had more than four in the first 20 minutes.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
The candle first went viral in the spring of 2025, as a budget-friendly alternative to West Elm’s $100 ceramic trough candle.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
So, for the first time in 19 years, somebody else will be the voice in the quarterback’s ear.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
Chad Baker-Mazara was hot early for the Trojans, hitting four three-pointers and totaling 14 by the break, but no other USC player had more than four in the first 20 minutes.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Adverb
All scouts who reach Eagle level have to complete a service project first.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
The candle first went viral in the spring of 2025, as a budget-friendly alternative to West Elm’s $100 ceramic trough candle.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
If the red card is overturned, the UEFA disciplinary panel would have the power to remove all punishment or reinstate the initial yellow card, which would lead to a one-match ban for a red card for two bookable offences.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Feb. 2026
-
City leaders in El Cajon shot down an initial proposal that would have allowed up to four marijuana dispensaries in the city.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Udmurtia’s main passenger airport, in the city of Izhevsk, and airports in nearby regions suspended operations early Saturday, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In that way, the end of his main career will allow his side-gig to become his new, full-time job.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Falcons needed stability at quarterback, and Cousins, who is maybe the world’s foremost aficionado of cheesy sports movies with fairytale finishes, had a chance to write a warm and fuzzy end to his story.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The capture of Donetsk and Luhansk -- which together form the Donbas area -- is the foremost Kremlin goal.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
24 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
But instead, the Hill-Murray lead held, giving the Pioneers – who previously won back-to-back 2A crowns in 2014 and ’15 – the program’s fourth state title.—
Frank Rajkowski,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Fueled by oil and gas exports, Russia defied Western predictions of economic collapse, instead becoming the 9th-biggest economy in the world in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund, ahead of Canada and Brazil.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Screeners aren’t meant to diagnose learning disabilities like dyslexia, but rather identify areas where kids could use additional support.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
-
And Germany specifically has rather strict speech laws that strongly limit criticism of Israel, part of Germany’s attempts to atone for its central role in the Holocaust.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This year, the Eagles are led by new head coach Miguel Johnson, who steps into the spotlight for his inaugural season at the helm.—
Sam Crenshaw,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
On the business side, Orlando Health maintains its foundational role as the front-of-jersey sponsor, a partnership dating back to the Pride’s inaugural 2016 season.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rosen, who has been an executive vice president and chief marketing officer with the Dodgers since 2012 when Mark Walter and Guggenheim Baseball Management purchased the club, took over the Lakers job after Tim Harris resigned from that role.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Her husband also works for the two-person business as its chief political strategist.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Does the area receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, preferably in the afternoon rather than the morning?—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
-
As the weather warms up, consider investing in a few high-quality tees, preferably 100% cotton options that’ll wash and age best.—
India Roby,
Glamour,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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