as in selected
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking
surgery is usually not considered a first-line treatment for this type of cancer
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Recent Examples of first-line
Tommy Novak, serving as the first-line center while captain Sidney Crosby recovers from a lower-body injury sustained at the Milan Cortina Olympics, picked up his 12th goal of the season.
—
CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Vaccines are the first-line defense to help prevent and lessen the severity of some viral infections, including covid and the flu.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
In these situations, Belmont notes, the potential benefits of using a first-line antibiotic may outweigh potential risks, and evaluating and testing for allergy may be warranted.
—Jordan Shaked, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
In June, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance to recommend that pediatricians order exome or genome sequencing as the first-line test for patients with global developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
—Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Vaccines are the first-line defense to help prevent and lessen the severity of some viral infections, including covid and the flu.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
In these situations, Belmont notes, the potential benefits of using a first-line antibiotic may outweigh potential risks, and evaluating and testing for allergy may be warranted.
—Jordan Shaked, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
In June, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance to recommend that pediatricians order exome or genome sequencing as the first-line test for patients with global developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
—Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-line
Adjective
-
The gist, however, seems to be that extra-terrestrials make contact with a selected few, before promising to go public to the entire world — good luck dealing with the ramifications of that one, human race!—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
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The selected cohort—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, placing them at the forefront of a new chapter in cinematic storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Doctors had little to offer Reid beyond steroids, which reduce inflammation but can cause bone fractures and diabetes, and a select few immunosuppressant drugs, which expose patients to infections and often fail to halt the disease’s progression.—
Jason Liebowitz,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
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The film was released theatrically by indie distributor Rich Spirit through boutique screenings in select cities.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite finds at Wayfair.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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Stay Informed - Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite weather news station.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Job opening numbers, personal consumption expenditures data - the Fed's preferred inflation gauge - and a second estimate of quarterly GDP are due this week.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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Now, the preferred tennis shoes have cool retro vibes and a wider, more rounded toe.—
Lina-Marie Baatz,
Glamour,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The San Juans are forecast to see 12 to 20 inches broadly, with localized totals approaching 36 to 48 inches in favored terrain.—
Joe Ruch,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
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Perhaps the most significant invocation of maternity comes when Ser Lyonel laments that Baelor is a more favored son than his brother Maekar.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-line. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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