FIRST BASE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

first base

noun

Definition of first base

as in drawing board

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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 base García struggled defensively as a second baseman at times before moving over to first base full-time. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 But Garcia wasn’t a good defensive second baseman, which led to him moving to first base. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Rafael Devers collected the ball and stepped on first base for the forceout and then threw to second base. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 The Marlins got two runners beyond first base in the first three innings before Stowers homered on McLean’s third pitch in the fourth. — Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for first base

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first base

Noun

Compare that to the F-35 Lightning II, which took over 13 years to go from drawing board to first flight.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025
After trying all three, stick with the one that worked best for you (or go back to drawing board).

— Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Definition of drawing board

Noun

Sanders is nonetheless arriving in Michigan with national Democrats more determined than ever to steer the party in a more pragmatic direction, effectively making the state ground zero for a proxy fight over progressive politics.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
At the time, school board meetings nationwide were ground zero for culture war battles over LGBTQ policies, wearing masks and book bans.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of ground zero

Noun

Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
For Jed Hoyer, trading Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene in Sunday night’s deal with the Blue Jays was only the beginning of a buying spree.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginning

Noun

Tarik Skubal takes the mound Tuesday night for his first start with the NL West leaders since the ace left-hander was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Her relentless complaining starts to wear on Kat, who bears the brunt of it.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of start

Noun

And unlike day one of last season, which saw offensive lineman Bayron Matos get airlifted to a local hospital and cornerback Artie Burns suffer a significant knee injury, the Dolphins emerged healthy.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
On day one, gates drew festival-goers rushing in amid tight security, warm weather, and the large crowds the four-day festival is expected to bring.

— Tara Molina, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of day one

Noun

Under such an approach, negotiations would focus first on halting the production and advancement of nuclear weapons, rather than demanding the dismantlement of North Korea's existing arsenal at the outset.

— Se Eun Gong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
From the outset, however, there are warnings in the other direction.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of outset

Noun

On average, those numbers were 64 percent and 58 percent of that baseline.

— Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
The Jordan and James camps will continue to pound away at each other from their baselines, back and forth, making the rest of us who are undecided feel like chair umpires at a tennis match, head on a swivel.

— Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of baseline

Noun

Crist, for example, was given a distinguished alumni award June 5 at commencement ceremonies held by the Antelope Valley College.

— Pat Maio, Daily News, 31 July 2026
The 22-year-old students from Bradford, England, took to the stage together at Keele University’s commencement ceremony to collect their diplomas.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Definition of commencement

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“First base.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20base. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of first base

noun

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