Synonyms of first-line

first-line

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈlīn 

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

• selected
• select
• favorite
• preferred
• favored
• chosen
• elect
• choice
• of choice
• handpicked
• picked
• fashionable
• cherry-picked
• exclusive
• screened
• weeded (out)
• picked over
• winnowed (out)
• culled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• average
• common
• ordinary
• commonplace
• run-of-the-mill

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of first-line

Today, the first-line therapy for a painful knee with degenerative tears is physical therapy and, for some people, weight loss. — Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Stankoven, meanwhile, broke out in the playoffs and was the Hurricanes’ first-line centre on a playoff run that resulted in them winning the Stanley Cup. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Today, the 20-minute rule remains one of the foundational pillars of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) — a treatment that Walker notes the American Academy of Sleep Medicine endorses as the first-line approach for chronic insomnia, ahead of pharmaceutical interventions. — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026

And just as with Bessie and Bluebell, first-line treatment doesn’t always start with a pill. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026