first-rate

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrāt How to pronounce first-rate (audio)
Definition of first-ratenext
as in excellent
of the very best kind wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using

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-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
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. terrific
  4. wonderful
  5. great
  6. lovely
  7. fantastic
  8. awesome
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Those hiding from family this Thanksgiving can take solace in a cornucopia of superb TV offerings.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Throughout, there’s a lingering sadness, which is properly explored in a superb episode made up of a trifecta of flashbacks, and his dour constitution still pairs perfectly with Helen’s reassuring nature.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Some of the production’s strongest moments feature this sort of tricky tonal pivot, as when a punkish gamer (a terrific Wren Rivera) is unveiled as the gleeful consultant who selects organ recipients using an algorithm.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
  • At the center is a terrific vocal performance by Hader, who captures the spirit of a Cat in the Hat for a new generation.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin's one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin’s one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • This also had a boat trip included, a lovely way to cool off after a day walking Barcelona’s lanes.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This rigid, eye-catching collar makes a lovely focal point over plunging necklines and high-collar dresses alike.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • The three-part 40mm drivers deliver fantastic audio by combining highs, mids, and lows to create an immersive soundscape that keeps you engaged and attentive.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In Hall’s absence, Braelon Allen has been a fantastic replacement, recording at least 100 scrimmage yards in the last four consecutive games.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of fantastic
Adjective
  • Students gathered under the stars in Hawaii recently to explore the awesome nature of the night sky together.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But if that’s one step too many, skip it—the stew will still be awesome.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of awesome

Browse Nearby Words

first off
first-rate
first-rateness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-rate. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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