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

Iron supplements are a first-line treatment to improve iron deficiency. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026

Molecular biologist Soulama says that Burkina Faso has decided, like some other countries on the continent, to move toward multiple first-line therapies. — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, known as CBT-I, is considered the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

For instance, if a patient with obesity is diagnosed with hypogonadism and no other condition explains the low testosterone levels (such as a pituitary tumor), the first-line treatment is weight loss. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026