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
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Recent Examples of first
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 23 July 2025
San Diego will be the second street race, and the first held on an active military base.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Though no official character information is available, these roles match up with the roles of the new Slayer’s close friends that TVLine first reported in March.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
Indeed, Colombia’s box office has not recovered from the pandemic, especially homegrown cinema, which registered a 1.5% share during the first six months of the year despite 28 new local releases, according to CadBox, a database on Colombian Admissions and Box Office.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 23 July 2025
San Diego will be the second street race, and the first held on an active military base.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Adverb
The obsession evidenced itself in small ways at first.
—Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Though no official character information is available, these roles match up with the roles of the new Slayer’s close friends that TVLine first reported in March.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
After the initial training period, managers must be trained to become competent mentors and coaches.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
During these conversations, my students expressed views that reaffirmed their initial survey choices, finding that AI wasn’t great for first drafts, but potentially useful in the pre- or post-writing stages of brainstorming and editing.—
Piers Gelly
July 28,
Literary Hub,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami measuring 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) was detected in Tokachi, on the southern coast of Hokkaido, the northernmost of the country’s main islands.—
Mari Yamaguchi,
Chicago Tribune,
30 July 2025
-
The day has three main goals: To gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer, to celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer and to unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day.—
Em Sauter,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Just as Russia has declined in its military might since the break-up of the Soviet Union a generation ago, Grossfeld says, its status as one of the globe’s foremost space powers has likewise slipped away.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
But all that nuttiness took place a long time ago, under the influence, and, according to the world’s foremost Ozzy authority, such is not really the case.—
Erik Hedegaard,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
Adverb
-
During a press briefing Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce deflected questions about the allegations against Levi and lifting the sanctions, instead deferring to the Israeli government to investigate.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
31 July 2025
-
In the cult classic, Spinal Tap orders a massive, 18-foot replica of the Stonehenge but instead receives an 18-inch one.—
Jack Irvin,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Adverb
-
Some can serve as bulking agents, absorbing and retaining water all that stuff moving through your gastrointestinal tract so that in the end, or rather out the end your poo can move more readily.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Neither of the ladies’ approaches is at all effective and, instead, rather harmful.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Lizzie Shapiro wins inaugural Janet Pierson Champion Award, named after longtime SXSW Film director.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
-
Soon South Milwaukee will be filled with sasquatch calls – or at least what locals think a sasquatch call sounds like – during a contest at the inaugural Samtemberfest, Sat.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Berry works with Paul DePodesta, the Browns' chief strategy officer.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
31 July 2025
-
Cybersecurity provider Check Point Software hired Jonathan Zanger as chief technology officer.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Adverb
-
Packed to the brim with all the essential vitamins and minerals a person could need, just two capsules a day (preferably taken with breakfast) provides a solid nutritional foundation without the hassle of juggling multiple supplements.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 July 2025
-
So, that means the Horned Frogs must rely on one of their running backs to emerge as the lead option, preferably during preseason camp.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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