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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of first
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Adults-only brand Casa Cook will also launch its first Italian hotel this summer (expect laidback luxury) in the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort, while glamorous new offering the First Cortina by The Pavilions should be ready by the end of the year in Cortina.
—Graeme Green, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
This explains why it’s advised to start small, eating just two tablespoons a day at first.
—Morgan Pearson, Ms, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
The first draft of the script was written before his Wyoming period, but there are tons of other celebrities that have invited the media out.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Adults-only brand Casa Cook will also launch its first Italian hotel this summer (expect laidback luxury) in the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort, while glamorous new offering the First Cortina by The Pavilions should be ready by the end of the year in Cortina.
—Graeme Green, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
The brother at first fled to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
This explains why it’s advised to start small, eating just two tablespoons a day at first.
—Morgan Pearson, Ms, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
And despite initial reports to the contrary, there was no massive contract given to former Philadelphia defensive tackle Milton Williams, thought to be the No. 1 overall free-agency target by many.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Mar. 2025
-
On February 20, 2024, almost two months after an initial announcement and 15 after the Glazer family confirmed their willingness to a partial or full sale, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Trawlers Limited completed its purchase of 27.7 per cent of Manchester United.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
The Athletic,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
My one and only visit was decades ago, in middle school, when my main priority was riding the roller coaster.—
Mariah Tyler,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2025
-
In addition to a cozy and updated three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot main home, there’s a small 19th-century cabin with a rock chimney still standing on the property.—
David Caraccio,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Saltzman said China and Russia, which military leaders consider America's foremost strategic competitors, are moving ahead of the United States with technologies and techniques to attack satellites in orbit.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Pamela Furr,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
But instead, Crudup had the exact opposite reaction.—
Emily Cegielski,
Flow Space,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Or just switch to a top sheet instead and wash it with your sheets every week.—
Louryn Strampe,
WIRED,
9 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
But their enthusiasm doesn’t quite rub off on the customers, who’d rather not chow down green meat.—
Marianne Eloise,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
-
This is not to say that every movie invites empathy, but rather that it can be found regardless of the aspects that make up the genre.—
Richard Newby,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
One local team’s winning ways during the inaugural season resulted in several unique opportunities with the Chiefs.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Reses was named to the inaugural CNBC Changemakers list in 2024.—
Eric Rosenbaum,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Meet The Experts Linh Calhoun is chief marketing officer at Replacements, Ltd. Kit Webb is a designer and builder sales representative with Sewell Appliance Gentle Vs.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, had led the queries into the couple’s deaths from her lab in Albuquerque.—
Rick Jervis,
USA TODAY,
9 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Immigrant rights groups say people should bring someone, preferably an attorney, to ICE appointments.—
Sophia Tareen,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
-
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Orange County Register,
13 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to first
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share