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

Longbridge is an excellent option, especially for those looking to save money.

— Liz Knueven,Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Pricing for the conversion starts at 100,000 euros, or roughly $113,670, but does not include the donor 944, which runs around $60,000 in excellent condition, according to Hagerty.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Not enough praise can be heaped upon the excellent cast (in addition to those mentioned above, there’s the terrific Nia Otchere-Sarfo and Jordan Rice rounding out the clique).

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Ternus seems terrific, but Cook as CEO was so special in so many ways.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

The rich collections do a great job of honoring visual traditions and explaining their connections to real people and real places.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Despite deep-rooted tensions between southerners and the PLC, both are in agreement that the Houthi threat is far greater than that of the other.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The restaurant serves a lovely breakfast on the veranda overlooking Ocean Drive as well as lunch and light bites in the piano bar in the lobby.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Then Musgraves, in her first appearance at the VMAs in five years, took over for a lovely solo piano-and-voice performance of Parton’s song.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

Technology is at the heart of facials, especially, from a skin analysis machine and facial sculpting wand to a cryotherapy mask that was positively icy—but also awesome—at -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Besides its unique quirks, the Tab A1 Plus offers some awesome AI add-ons to boost your productivity, fantastic 8MP cameras and speakers for video calls, and ultra-smooth performance.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of awesome

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 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-rate

adjective

Example Sentences

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