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
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
In his 17th start of the year, Imanaga recorded his first outing without surrendering a walk or home run.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2026
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
23 June 2026
May went 64-13 at Michigan and guided the Wolverines to their second national title in program history and first since 1989.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
Vic makes some baffling choices here, buzzing in twice on the first word in the series without hearing the rest, and getting eliminated from multiple rounds five seconds in.
—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
In his 17th start of the year, Imanaga recorded his first outing without surrendering a walk or home run.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2026
Adverb
Pline, 26, first entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers following the 2024 NFL Draft.
—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
23 June 2026
May went 64-13 at Michigan and guided the Wolverines to their second national title in program history and first since 1989.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
22 June 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
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Because Swift has no docking ports or grappling fixtures to grab onto, Katalyst built its 880-pound, 5-foot tall LINK spacecraft with a custom robotic capture mechanism that will attach to a feature on the satellite’s main structure.
-
One of the festival’s main attractions is the FIFA store, an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility on the east side of the grounds.
Adjective
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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
-
Roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022, the most recent edition.
-
The capacity of the primary viewing area at the Washington Monument is set at about 150,000, according to Secret Service Special Agent in Charge David Yamen, who runs the agency's dignitary protective division.
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 6 Jul. 2026.
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