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
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Recent Examples of first
Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2025
The first anniversary of the storm was especially hard.
—Cara Owsley, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025
Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The car was shipped to Arizona first where it was bought by the person who owns it now and lives in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, which is about 95 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
Entering Jeff Hafley’s first season as Packers defensive coordinator in 2024, LaFleur envisioned rushing a traditional four and dropping a traditional seven in coverage.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2025
The first anniversary of the storm was especially hard.
—Cara Owsley, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Since the spaghetti cooks twice — first in boiling water and then in the oven — cook it to al dente when following the package instructions.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The car was shipped to Arizona first where it was bought by the person who owns it now and lives in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, which is about 95 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
Here's our top story this morning: Developments can take years to go from initial conceptualization to vertical reality.—
Leo Bertucci,
The Courier-Journal,
22 Aug. 2025
-
While these tools are typically applied for the initial candidate screening, these systems can filter out even highly-qualified candidates if their profiles don’t meet the AI system’s particular criteria.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
His main ride is a blue 2005 TJ with a four-inch lift and some other add-ons.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Danny Ertel,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Frost is, by reputation, perhaps the foremost poet of rural, non-coastal New England — of birches and apple trees, of forests blanketed in snow, of pastures sliced by ragged stone walls, and of the flinty, self-sufficient kind of temperament that flourishes in those places.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
As revenge, Reilly nominated Domingue's other ally Rylie Jeffries instead.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Ukraine instead turned to its homegrown drones to strike hundreds of miles into Russian territory.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Creditors would much rather have the assets of the LLC or partnership than sit around waiting for distributions.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The result is, in some respects, a rather straightforward documentary portrait of an indefatigable journalist.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
As the tennis world focuses attention on the Grand Slam U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, a new professional league in the sport recently celebrated the conclusion of its inaugural season.—
Candace Oehler,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Parker turned 10 years old in 1996, a pivotal year that marked the inaugural season of the WNBA.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Lea Anne Welsh, chief operating officer of Korman Communities, which owns AVE, has seen a significant shift over the last five years in their flexible-stay furnished apartments.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
The company’s chief financial officer, Jennifer Callahan, was named as interim CEO, and board member Jay Roberts was appointed executive chairman.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
23 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Use any pair for this duo, placing them below and to the left of Venus, preferably when the sky is dark, before dawn strikes.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Onions Most types of onions (like yellow, white, and sweet) do best when stored at room temperature, preferably in your pantry out of direct sunlight and away from residual heat from your stovetop or oven.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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