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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of first
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Despite their efforts, the animals were infected, making this the first time any animals at the zoo contracted the avian flu.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2024
This was the question many asked, when it was first announced that Ross would direct the adaptation.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first 
Adjective
The couple's first child, Spurgeon, was born in November 2015, followed by Henry in February 2017.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Despite their efforts, the animals were infected, making this the first time any animals at the zoo contracted the avian flu.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adverb
He’s also played shows with Dylan Gossett, another Red Dirt-adjacent songwriter who first popped online a little over a year ago.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2024
This was the question many asked, when it was first announced that Ross would direct the adaptation.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
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At the same time, as noted with the illustrative examples with those in the housing goods industries, inquiries and initial connections with premium stores often happen through websites or email, which, by our definition, still qualifies as e-commerce.Tom Madsen, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Marc Joffe, a visiting fellow with the California Policy Center, said that one possibility would be to complete the initial 119-mile section of the track, from Madera to Shafter, then connect it with existing Amtrak service.Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
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With this strategic push, Delta foresees its premium ticket revenue exceeding its main cabin by 2027 and says more than half of its current revenue comes from premium experiences.Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Despite being one of the industry’s foremost data analysts, Larissa Jensen is a storyteller at heart.James Manso, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024
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The founder is one of India’s foremost fashion curators who brought Indian fashion together for 30 years.Shelby Wax, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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With a tougher stance on China expected from the incoming Trump administration, could the next trade war instead be focused around chips, which arguably have permeated every facet of our lives? — CNBC’s Samantha Subin contributed to this report.Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
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Another bystander who came to Penny's aid offered to hold Neely's arms down so Penny could let go of Neely's neck, but instead Penny kept tight hold even after Neely's body went limp, Yoran told jurors.Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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The company has been producing rather odd yet nifty motorcycles for a while now, with most using the same 7-horsepower Kohler engine.New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024
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The Obama girls, on the other hand, fared rather well, especially Sasha, who designed her own two-room suite with a living space and a bedroom.Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart and Leslie Jones are among the comics set to headline Rhode Island’s inaugural Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, a four-day comedy festival taking place March 27 to 30.Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024
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Citing public records, the report added that Meta had not made any contribution to Trump’s 2017 or Biden’s 2021 inaugural funds.Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Burberry’s Heritage trench took center stage, alongside the latest iterations of the coat by chief creative officer Daniel Lee.Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Dec. 2024
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To be sure, Bank of America acknowledged that the ongoing struggles at AMD’s chief rival, Intel , could lead AMD to capture even more business than expected in the PC market, as well as the traditional, non-AI data center market.Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Adverb
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The word for the fifth-act climax of risotto—the scene in which the butter (preferably cold, from the fridge) and the Parmesan are brought onstage and obliged to mingle with the other characters—is mantecatura.Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
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Advertisement Wherever Nikki alights is a space to laugh, play the dozens (preferably over bid whist), celebrate and, yes mourn and sing with these and other giants.L. Lamar Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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