Definition of first-linenext
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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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-line That may help researchers identify which patient populations should get immunotherapy as a first-line treatment. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 The American College of Physicians recommends CBT-I as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Allison Palmer march 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026 Now, in a new paper in the journal Cell Press Blue, researchers report that if the tissue’s first-line defenses fail, then what could have been a mild infection spirals out of control. Veronique Greenwood, Time, 27 Feb. 2026 Metformin is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 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
  • 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
  • On select tours, a day-two agenda ventures deeper into the primary forest.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When video streaming platforms were first launched, they were marketed as an affordable way to watch your favorite movies without the interruption of an ad break.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Your favorite place for creative pastries and delicious bread.
    Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fifty-three percent of respondents at the Conservative Political Action Conference last weekend said Vance was their preferred candidate in the 2028 Republican primary.
    Gabe Kaminsky, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Why Musk is pivoting Tesla watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Washington Consensus was traditionally wary of developing countries picking winners and losers, erecting trade barriers and subsidizing favored industries.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Gonzaga’s record aside, Mark and his teammates believe navigating the SEC slate is what toughened them up and put this group in position to reach the Sweet 16 and perhaps beyond with a win over the favored Bulldogs.
    Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-line. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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