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. fantastic
  7. lovely
  8. awesome
Adjective
  • Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • After a terrific collegiate career, Stanek was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick in the 1st round of the 2113 MLB draft.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The ancho chili Caesar salad is a terrific appetizer to share, as are both types of shrimp aguachile verde.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The other great piece of news is that, yes, this will get a localized release with multiple language support, something that the original PlayStation Portable version never had.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences Before a downtown Detroit event—and the city draws serious headliners—the lobby is buzzing, making for fantastic people watching.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • The second story in the Faraway trilogy, the film and book follow three siblings who move to the English countryside and discover a magical tree and its fantastical inhabitants.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of fantastic
Adjective
  • The original room also has mannequins showing off fashion-forward outfits from the winners of the Liberty Fabrics x Graduate Fashion Foundation Competition, with lots of lovely clashing patterns and textures.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
  • While this verdant island makes a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic on a sunny day, art lovers have two additional reasons to make the trip.
    — Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • The excitement in the stadium for the fans to see someone who, 24 hours earlier, had been on a field in Korea was awesome.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
  • Mark Davis Andrade debuted an awesome new theme and had two ladies with him.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of awesome

Browse Nearby Words

first off
first-rate
first-rateness
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Cite this Entry

“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-rate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of first-rate for Spanish Speakers

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