FIRSTLY Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

firstly

adverb

ˈfərst-lē

Definition of firstly

as in originally

in the beginning firstly, gather all the ingredients together

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 firstly This is because, firstly, there is an extra knockout stage match and, secondly, weaker teams will be competing more regularly, providing top players such as Mbappe and Kane with ample opportunities to rack up the goals. — Peter Carline, New York Times, 26 June 2026 If experiencing heat illness, Helberg recommends, firstly, calling 911 for medical help. — Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026 The three ingredients at the start was firstly Julian’s love of American vintage clothing and the approach to vintage American cotton. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 Chronis has been with the fund since 2019, firstly as a feature film consultant and then as Head of Feature Film & Documentary since 2021. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firstly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firstly

Adverb

Backstory This historic property was originally a private homestead that transitioned into a store in the late 1700s and finally turned into a guest house in the 20th century.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Sep. 2026
The news organizations originally requested the full consultant’s report, known as an Affiliated Fee Analysis, from OIR in February of this year, and made a broader request to the Florida Senate for legislative emails in April.

— Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of originally

Adverb

The Air Force initially planned to deliver a HACM capability with operational utility by fiscal year 2027.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
Ildemaro Vargas started the ninth with a walk, winning an ABS challenge on a full-count pitch initially called a strike.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of initially

Browse Nearby Words

first-line

firstly

first name

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“Firstly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firstly. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of firstly

adverb

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