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
  • Fjord, Cristian Mungiu’s legal thriller starring podcast favorite Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan; Hope, an action film starring Squid Game breakout Hoyeon; and Gentle Monster, led by an excellent Léa Seydoux.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Servite 0-1 (62) The Friars lost to an excellent Centennial of Corona team, 41-21, in Rick Garretson’s first game as Servite’s head coach.
    — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The winery is also known for superb musical performances that Paine gets through his relationship with a top tier entertainment manager.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The bathroom is lovely with deep red marble tiling, a large tub, and views over the beach.
    — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Have a lovely weekend all and enjoy these last few weeks of August!
    — Sam Woodward, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • The apocalypse isn’t frightening because of zombies or some fantastical creature.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mayer is the favorite to start at point guard, but Ertel looked fantastic on the trip and could push him.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of fantastic
Adjective
  • And while the linebacker group is average, the secondary has a good foundation and the defensive line has enough depth and potential to be awesome.
    — Austin Mock, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There is a decent chance the winner of the American League West could finish with a losing record, which would be a first in MLB history, 110 percent awesome, and worthy of its own banner.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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