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 Guests get the same first-class benefits, including bedding, towels, complimentary meals, lounge access, priority boarding, and attentive onboard service from a first-class attendant. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 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 Each performance follows its own particular flight path, and this year’s opening concert on Sunday, June 21 upgrades to first-class accommodations at Bing Concert Hall. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-class

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-class

Adjective

While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

As other reviewers have also noted, sound quality is superb on the GA lawn, which was full to bursting with blankets and rentable lawn chairs.

— Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Curtain Bluff, Antigua Come for the pair of beaches, exceptional clifftop spa, and superb cuisine.

— Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The resort provides a hiking guide—Nafea Abdeljalil was wonderful—and of course transport.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Izzy, a vulnerable, dry-humored lesbian, played with a hummingbird intensity by the wonderful Molly Bernard, marvels that the experience is hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been through it, like sharing a dream.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Hargrave then had three terrific seasons in Philadelphia, where Jonathan Gannon — the Packers’ defensive coordinator — was the Eagles’ coordinator for two years.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Kuechly, Rivera and Newton teamed up on the terrific Panthers teams of the 2010s.

— Scott Fowler July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
All in all, launching the book has been an exhausting and lovely gift of an experience.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 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

Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Kylian Mbappé made a fantastic run down the left side and into the box before he was fouled by Noussair Mazraoui, resulting in a penalty for France.

— Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 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 14 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

implacable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes