FIRST-CLASS Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-class

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈklas

Definition of first-class

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-class production of a classic American musical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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-class United Airlines also charges a premium for window seats in first-class cabins. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Airlines used to fill empty first-class seats mainly by giving their most loyal frequent flyers free upgrades. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 With jet fuel costs running high, long-haul business and first-class tickets are up sharply this year. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Nikolay Zhukovsky, the third-class controller, was working under the direction of first-class controller Vladimir Sumskoy. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-class

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-class

Adjective

Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.

— Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Those programs collectively play superb baseball, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to draft calls.

— Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
La Roja did a superb job limiting the touches of world-class striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Spanish midfield being the unsung heroes of the first half.

— Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.

— Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.

— Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The largest, the Koda Suite (named for Leo’s dog), which was once occupied by the Daunt family, is a terrific family option, with two rooms, two bathrooms, tons of space, and its own private pool entrance.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

There are good footballers, there are great footballers and then there is Messi, who plays as if he has been sent here from another dimension, a superior life form inside the 5ft 7in frame of a normal guy from Rosario, Argentina.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Healthcare's greatest crisis isn't financial or technological.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved seating and lovely lighting even more.

— Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

Their French 75, which is made with cognac, lemon and muscadet, is a perfect example thanks to a beautiful balance of elegance and ingenuity.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
At the rear of the second floor is the primary suite, which has a large walk-in closet and another beautiful bathroom featuring a six-foot soaking tub with a custom glass surround.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026

Definition of beautiful

Adjective

Of course, ice cream is a classic balsamic pairing that Merid and Gil both recommend; vanilla ice cream is a fantastic complement, as is any sweet, summer fruity ice cream flavor.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026
Nolan delivers one fantastical set piece after another to test Matt Damon’s Odysseus, while keeping the audience equally compelled by the palace intrigue back at Ithaca as Anne Hathaway’s Penelope holds off a brutish gaggle of suitors.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Definition of fantastic

Browse Nearby Words

first blush

first-class

first estate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-class. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of first-class

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on first-class

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

raffish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

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

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes