FIRST-LINE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

first-line

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈlīn

Definition of first-line

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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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-line Access antibiotics are first-line treatments for common infections and should be widely available. — Peter Beyer, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026 The first-line treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The communication drills are intended to encourage first-line fighters to be more self-reliant and effective in battle, experts say. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Iron supplements are a first-line treatment to improve iron deficiency. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-line

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-line

Adjective

Some cool features include a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection fails, as well as split tunneling that allows selected apps to use the VPN connection while others transmit data in clear text.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026

Definition of selected

Adjective

The Big Ten added live audio and video from its replay review command center this season, but only for select Friday games.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Daniel West’s adaptation hits the major plot points and select lines of dialogue, but has typically, unavoidably, been streamlined and compressed.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of select

Adjective

And while the Heat do have an open roster spot, the preferred path for any upgrade at this point likely would be on ready-to-go talent, not necessarily a player who may or may not still have it.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Maresca has also probably muddied the waters by refusing to identify a preferred holding midfielder and describing both new players in similar terms.

— Sam Lee, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of preferred

Adjective

The Palazzo Dandolo Paolucci is one such overlooking the Grand Canal, a true rarity amidst the everyday, awaiting whomever its next favored owner might be.

— Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
This dynamic that has produced a glut of companies in favored sectors like green technology, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, chasing far more customers than the market, domestic or global, can support.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Definition of favored

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first lady

first-line

firstly

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“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-line. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-line

adjective

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