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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of first
Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Four of the six players that played the most for the Cougars this season are at their first NCAA school.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025
After nearly a month, they were deported to Colombia, arriving March 18, the Orange County Register first reported.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
These helpful must-haves will leave you feeling more prepared for your first international trip.
—Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Four of the six players that played the most for the Cougars this season are at their first NCAA school.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Originally from North Carolina, he was initially drafted by the Yankees in 2005 and was first called up in 2008 before becoming a regular starter the following season.
—Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025
After nearly a month, they were deported to Colombia, arriving March 18, the Orange County Register first reported.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
An investigation is underway and police are searching for the driver who caused the initial crash, the station reported.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Since the first Scream movie premiered in 1996, the initial project has been deemed a cult classic, and its subsequent franchise — with five sequels and a seventh installment underway, plus a TV series that centers on its villain Ghostface — has made a major impact on the slasher genre.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Sean Penn co-stars as the film’s main villain, a steely-eyed colonel who looked pretty frigging scary in the footage, while Benicio del Toro is DiCaprio’s gun-toting, gonzo comrade.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The president has touted these tariffs as a way to help the US government rely less on income taxes as a main form of revenue.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Through them, the Chinese firm has persuaded the president to defend a tool wielded by America’s foremost foreign adversary.—
The Editors,
National Review,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Donovan is one of the world’s foremost experts on Steve, a light spectacle that has only recently been studied and is occasionally visible in northern latitudes during an aurora.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Across the world, Burmese people living overseas have echoed that concern, instead imploring those who wish to help to donate to grassroots organizations.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
3 Apr. 2025
-
For anyone who books the part, Legacy said to not wash their vehicle and instead keep it dusty and dirty.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford are opening the year on the IL, a rather rough introduction for a rotation that is high on upside and low on durability.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
-
The Packers’ top three positions of need entering the 2025 NFL Draft are rather evident.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Michael is a five-time Minnesota Sportswriter of the Year and in 2017 was named the inaugural Red Fisher Award winner as best beat writer in the NHL.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Kenny Chesney Dates: May 22, 24-25; May 28; May 30-31; June 4; June 6-7; June 11; June 13-14; June 18; June 20-21 Time: 8 p.m. What to expect: As both the first country artist and first solo musician to play the Sphere, Chesney will have a blank tablet to craft his inaugural appearances.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In Florida’s 1st congressional district covering the Panhandle, Republican Jimmy Patronis, the state’s chief financial officer, handily captured the seat held by former Rep. Matt Gaetz.—
David Catanese,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The Context Florida state senator Randy Fine cruised to victory in the 6th Congressional District, while Florida chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis won the race for the state's 1st Congressional District.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Pour out leftover water, preferably into a nearby plant.—
Kelly Dawson,
Architectural Digest,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Chicago Blackhawks – Connor Bedard is a tremendous talent, but the Hawks need a sidekick of equal skill – preferably someone bigger than Bedard’s 5-foot-10 stature – to take some heat off him.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
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