1
as in initial
coming before all others in time or order
the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in main
coming before all others in importance
there are a number of reasons we can't go, but the first is that we don't have the money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in foremost
highest in rank or authority
auditioned and got first clarinet in the band
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in instead
as a substitute
eat peas? I'd eat cockroaches first
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in rather
by choice or preference
we will not give in, but will fight for our freedom first
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of first
Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Four of the six players that played the most for the Cougars this season are at their first NCAA school.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets ranks first.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
These helpful must-haves will leave you feeling more prepared for your first international trip.
—Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Four of the six players that played the most for the Cougars this season are at their first NCAA school.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Last week, Mellencamp confirmed that her cancer has reached stage 4 after her melanoma — which she was first diagnosed with in 2022 — metastasized to her brain and lungs.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets ranks first.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
His remarks came as markets began to stabilize following initial uncertainty about the administration's trade tactics.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Clark made the initial comments in her interview in December with Time Magazine and refreshed those remarks in her interview with comedian David Letterman.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The 9a's main camera takes 12MP images thanks to pixel binning, and the resulting shots are nearly identical to the Pixel 9 Pro's.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43, was completely committed to his main character of T'Challa in the Marvel movie about the advanced kingdom of Wakanda, Coogler recalled on a recent episode of Power 105.1 FM's The Breakfast Club.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Aslak de Silva,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Saltzman said China and Russia, which military leaders consider America's foremost strategic competitors, are moving ahead of the United States with technologies and techniques to attack satellites in orbit.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Detectives kept it to themselves, instead the LAPD let the suspects think that investigators had fallen for what police perceived to be a trick.—
Greg Fisher,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Her approach extends beyond immediate intervention, focusing instead on helping parents and caregivers recognize and manage their own emotions, in order to create safe spaces where children can learn and grow.—
Lauren Carpenter,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Some experts believe that satisfaction in this context may not indicate happiness but rather resilience and adaptation.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the production, Hendrickson is now in a rather messy contract negotiation with the Bengals.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Michael is a five-time Minnesota Sportswriter of the Year and in 2017 was named the inaugural Red Fisher Award winner as best beat writer in the NHL.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Extreme temperatures are fueled by the climate crisis, the chief driver of which is the burning of fossil fuels.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
-
That result was no surprise, according to Mitchell Elkind, MD, the chief clinical science officer at the American Heart Association.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
For kids 6 and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy and medication, preferably together.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
The Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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