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

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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 The only thing more significant is a first-class relic, which is a physical body part of a saint. — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 19 Sep. 2026 Cathay Pacific picked up prizes for its cabin crew and first-class airline lounge. — Barry Neild, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 More news California’s high-speed rail authority spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on first-class flights and trips to a nightclub, a report finds. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 The first-class structure domestically has been all over the place the last few years and there’s no consistency, no patience. — James Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-class

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-class

Adjective

There’s an excellent Anantara Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center onsite, but the highlight of the property is its 60-foot-long oceanfront infinity pool, which overlooks the entire expanse of Stone Town beach.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Not enough praise can be heaped upon the excellent cast (in addition to those mentioned above, there’s the terrific Nia Otchere-Sarfo and Jordan Rice rounding out the clique).

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Ternus seems terrific, but Cook as CEO was so special in so many ways.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

The rich collections do a great job of honoring visual traditions and explaining their connections to real people and real places.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Despite deep-rooted tensions between southerners and the PLC, both are in agreement that the Houthi threat is far greater than that of the other.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The Brasserie beside it, a continuation of the same vibe, focuses on French dishes with some good vegetarian options, and hosts a breakfast buffet with lovely local products.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The lovely south-facing casement windows in the living room are original; at the other end of the apartment is enough room for a second bedroom or office, plus a closet).

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

With that, Dorinda gathers everyone (except for Chanel Ayan, who is too beautiful for the cold) out into the freezing night for the fireworks that end this celebration.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Indeed, this celestial crustacean has no star brighter than 4th magnitude and its only claims to fame are its membership in the zodiac and beautiful M44.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of beautiful

Browse Nearby Words

first blush

first-class

first estate

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“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-class. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-class

adjective

Example Sentences

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