FIRST-RATE Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-rate

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrāt

Definition of first-rate

as in excellent

of the very best kind wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using

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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-rate Food and drink Sabora Tented Camp excels in the first-rate food and drink experience crucial to a luxury safari. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 New York’s famous Atomic Wings are back in Texas, this time with a much better restaurant that showcases the first-rate chicken. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026 The cocktail scene at eight different bars and lounges is first-rate, and every gathering seems to start or end with Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015, the house pour. — David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026 The good news is, in a host of overseas havens first-rate medical facilities, English-speaking doctors, and exceptionally high standards of care are the norm. — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-rate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-rate

Adjective

Lampard felt his players deserved a point after creating several excellent chances.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages.

— Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Typically, Mora will pick up the ball in the left channel and run at a defender, before slowing to a jog, then use his superb balance to burst past his flat-footed opponent on either side, like in this example against Fiorentina last month.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Cam Schlitter gave up one run and two hits in eight superb innings, and the New York Yankees scored five two-out runs in the 10th in a series-clinching, 6-3 victory over the Angels on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The front three of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro already looks terrific, while Maxence Lacroix is an extremely solid defensive addition and Emi Martinez is an upgrade on Robert Sanchez in goal.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Buddy expands to 1,771 screens after a terrific opening last weekend.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Chief among Kvaratskhelia’s standout moments in a PSG shirt was his wonderful solo goal against Aston Villa in last year’s Champions League quarter-final.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Many wonderful and terrible things have happened in the 25 years since, some related to the 9/11 attacks, many not at all.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.

— Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The café is tucked away in the heart of the garden—a lovely pit stop.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
This is an exciting step forward for Eisenberg the director, who had a breakthrough a couple of years ago with the lovely A Real Pain, which earned co-star Kieran Culkin an Academy Award.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

First and foremost, Daniel’s done a fantastic job here, and we’re thrilled with the last couple of seasons.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Louis Garrel has become a French icon of the screen at only 43, known for his brooding good looks but also his fantastic range in often-dangerous movies.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fantastic

Browse Nearby Words

first off

first-rate

first-rateness

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

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Synonyms of first-rate

adjective

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