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

Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.

— Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.

— Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

His homemaker mother Leonor (a superb Maude Sandham) and his 17-year-old sister Ilse (Karoline Watson) complete the immaculate family portrait, but there’s unrest there too.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

So Kelce reported to camp in terrific shape and looking svelte and nimble despite all the hoopla, especially around the wedding.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Our present condition is deplorable on account of a terrific burden of unemployment caused by overproduction.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.

— Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Located 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, the community of around 30,000 is home to a walkable, historic downtown populated with local boutiques and businesses; a legendary theatre; and lots of great restaurants.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Apple Apple's done great work to promote its Music streaming service by showcasing fantastic artists over the years.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Why would anyone want to destroy lovely old houses, the same houses that made Kensington so desirable, and replace them with buildings that resembled a pile of washing machines 30 floors high?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
Their climactic scenes near the end, once all the obstacles have been removed, are lovely — and not just because Austen’s prose in their outcome is so indestructible.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

However, the leap from these qualities to assuming, hyperbolically, that AI will become a competitor, even a predatory species ready to eliminate us, is a fantastical step too far.

— Keith Tidman, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026
That’s a fantastic sign for Birdville, a team that barely missed the postseason last year.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of fantastic

Adjective

So these are the scheduling quirks that come with our awesome move to nine games that has sure looked so great here lately.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
This book is full of hilarious moments, a ridiculously awesome entropy sweeper, and friendship in somewhat odd circumstances.

— Kavya Dhillon, Parents, 19 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-rate

adjective

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