FIRST-LINE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

first-line

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈlīn

Definition of first-line

as in selected

singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking surgery is usually not considered a first-line treatment for this type of cancer

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-line Stankoven, meanwhile, broke out in the playoffs and was the Hurricanes’ first-line centre on a playoff run that resulted in them winning the Stanley Cup. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Richman, the Citizen Oversight Board member, does not believe first-line supervisors are equipped to thoroughly review misconduct allegations and make informed decisions on what warrants further review. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 According to the American College of Cardiology, first-line strategies for managing high blood pressure include quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026 Today, the 20-minute rule remains one of the foundational pillars of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) — a treatment that Walker notes the American Academy of Sleep Medicine endorses as the first-line approach for chronic insomnia, ahead of pharmaceutical interventions. — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-line

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-line

Adjective

Some cool features include a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection fails, as well as split tunneling that allows selected apps to use the VPN connection while others transmit data in clear text.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026

Definition of selected

Adjective

Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**.

— Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Available for purchase now on Disneyland’s website, the 1-day, 1-park Disneyland Resort Evening Ticket is valid for select nights at either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.

— Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026

Definition of select

Adjective

Meline Rosales, Mike Winters Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 6 July 2026
And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026

Definition of preferred

Adjective

Each time, job losses were met with commissions and task forces, issuing job predictions and calls for government to plan and spur jobs in favored sectors, such as clean energy, healthcare and social services.

— Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Of that $35 million, nearly $10 million in Medicaid settlement money was funneled through the first lady’s favored charity, Hope Florida, to anti-amendment efforts.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026

Definition of favored

Browse Nearby Words

first lady

first-line

firstly

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“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-line. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-line

adjective

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