FIRST-HAND Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

firsthand

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈhand

Definition of firsthand next

as in primary

done or working without something else coming in between had firsthand knowledge of the events of that evening

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of firsthand Chiarella spoke extensively to those with firsthand experience. —

David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026 Jordan followed up by naming two firsthand witnesses — former White House deputy chief of staff for operations Tony Ornato and Secret Service agent Bobby Engel — both of whom publicly denied the incident occurred. —

Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026 Students gain firsthand knowledge of intergenerational trauma; the difficulties of rebuilding; the prevalence of anxiety, worry and depression in survivor homes; and so much more. —

Chad Gibbs, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026 These creatives will share firsthand insights into how cultural immersion influences their approach to character, narrative and production design, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the ways that environment and culture shape the art of storytelling. —

William Earl, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firsthand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firsthand

Adjective

For many people who stream music every day, how artists and rightsholders are paid is not a primary concern.

— Shain Shapiro, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
But under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.

— Grace Hase, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026