first off

adverb

Definition of first offnext
as in first

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first off
  1. first
  2. now
  3. early
  4. before long
Adverb
  • The phrase first surfaced in early 2024 and has grown in popularity since, according to Know Your Meme.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rest first, research quietly, and return to the plan when your yes feels clear.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of first
Adverb
  • Some of the best accommodations around the park are Disney Resorts Collection hotels, and select properties under that umbrella are currently offering up to 30% off stays of at least five consecutive nights from now through October 3, 2026.
    — Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Three days later, the person authorities in multiple countries now say was the attacker was revealed to be Anastasiia Berezovska – a Ukrainian woman with a large snake tattoo on her arm.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of now
Adverb
  • Zelenskyy said that earlier this year the Defense Ministry had told him that SpaceX had agreed to allow Ukraine to use Starlink over Russian territory to carry out deep strike operations, subject to political approval.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of early
Adverb
  • The average price of a new car could, before long, jump to $60,000 and beyond.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026
  • However, the bats that the Padres drafted last month have already begun to make their professional debuts in full-season ball and second-round shortstop Elliot Lascelles could join the Storm before long.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of before long
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.

Browse Nearby Words

first names
first off
first-rate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20off. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All