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
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2026
The Hollywood Bowl was by no means a lonely bowl Sunday night, as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass returned to pack the storied venue for the first time in 59 years.
—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 July 2026
Lamond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
McGregor and Holloway first met at 145 pounds in August 2013.
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
And the sequence started a wild end to the Dodgers’ first extra-innings game of the season.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2026
The Hollywood Bowl was by no means a lonely bowl Sunday night, as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass returned to pack the storied venue for the first time in 59 years.
—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 July 2026
Adverb
The Sox gave Burke a one-run cushion in the first inning when Vargas walked and then scored from first on a Montgomery double.
—
Lamond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
McGregor and Holloway first met at 145 pounds in August 2013.
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association members have broadened to include NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
-
Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
Adjective
-
Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
-
India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
Adjective
-
The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
Adverb
-
There is no television, dishwasher, or microwave, placing the focus instead on the surrounding landscape, and shared daily rituals of cabin life.
-
Swift and Kelce did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen, instead opting for Swift's brother Austin Swift as her man of honor and Jason Kelce as the groom's best man.
Adverb
-
America's Block Party is not a singular event but rather an umbrella for local events throughout the United States.
-
Its light is rather that of a glowing molten metal than that of a burning furnace.
Adjective
-
The Scottish original earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and the inaugural Michelin Service Award before crossing the Atlantic.
-
The union, which formed in 2021 and includes roughly 150 curators, conservators, educators, and public programmers, ratified its inaugural contract, for a two-and-a-half-year span, in 2023.
Adjective
-
The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
-
Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
Adjective
-
Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for ADF, pointed to Cross’s alleged experience as one of the human costs behind the legal fight.
-
Haley enlisted in the Coast Guard at 17 and retired as its chief journalist in 1959.
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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