foremost

1 of 2

adjective

fore·​most ˈfȯr-ˌmōst 

1

: first in a series or progression

Safety is their foremost concern.

2

: of first rank or position : preeminent

He is the foremost authority on the American Civil War period.

foremost

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in the first place

2

: most importantly

first and foremost

Synonyms

Adjective

• main
• greatest
• highest
• primary
• first
• predominant
• dominant
• leading
• big
• chief
• principal

Examples of foremost in a Sentence

Adjective

Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century.

wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That makes increasing confidence and readiness around suicide prevention conversations a foremost priority, said Erica Steib, the state suicide prevention manager at Mental Health America of Wisconsin. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. —Agni Ghosh, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Adverb

Many frothy business models that depended on easy credit—BNPL foremost among them—suffered as capital became costlier. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025

Incorporate Activities That Build Team Cohesion First and foremost, team dynamics are most effectively stretched and molded through real-time activities. —Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foremost

• first and foremost
• foremost/uppermost in someone's mind

Rhymes for foremost

• diagnosed
• easternmost
• innermost
• lowermost
• milepost
• northernmost
• outermost
• rearmost
• southernmost
• uppermost
• uttermost
• westernmost

Kids Definition

foremost

adjective

fore·​most

-ˌmōst

: first in time, place, or order : most important

foremost adverb