first-line

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈlīn How to pronounce first-line (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. selected
  2. select
  3. favorite
  4. preferred
  5. favored
Adjective
  • The Pope Leo Village Homes initiative is underway in Bronzeville with five of the seven area homes under construction and two with selected homeowners.
    — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of selected
Adjective
  • Release details have not yet been confirmed, but readers can likely expect a launch through Nike’s Snkrs app and select retailers.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Those willing to deal with volatility can consider select tactical opportunities in medium- to long-duration bonds, said.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of select
Adjective
  • Fashion designer Simon Port Jacquemus listed it among his favorite addresses in Vogue, and French street artist Invader unofficially blessed the building with one of his trademark mosaics.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • His hit farming series launched on Prime Video in 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite on the streaming service.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of favorite
Adjective
  • Its manganese spins continue fluctuating in preferred directions after long-range magnetic order fades.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • This indicates that black hole jets don't influence gas around galaxies in a uniform manner, but at preferred points.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of preferred
Adjective
  • Not that the easily impressed senators, eager to exculpate a favored man, took note of the irony.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of favored

Browse Nearby Words

first lady
first-line
firstly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-line. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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