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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets ranks first.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 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
Last week, Mellencamp confirmed that her cancer has reached stage 4 after her melanoma — which she was first diagnosed with in 2022 — metastasized to her brain and lungs.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets ranks first.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
His remarks came as markets began to stabilize following initial uncertainty about the administration's trade tactics.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Clark made the initial comments in her interview in December with Time Magazine and refreshed those remarks in her interview with comedian David Letterman.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As previously reported, this year’s main competition jury president will be Juliette Binoche, who will oversee the choosing of the Palme d’Or and other festival awards alongside a jury yet to be announced.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The first drop pays homage to Jackson, Wyo., where Season 2 begins, after the two main characters found temporary refuge there in Season 1.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
10 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
-
Most cheaper cars, even for American brands like Ford, are not made in the United States and are instead assembled in countries with cheaper labor, like Mexico.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Most players would gladly accept his 2025 record, no questions asked, yet his seven-win 2024 season make this year seems rather ordinary.—
Bob Spear,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Health concerns weren’t the only reason for the ban, however; rather, some voters believed claims that fluoridation was part of a communist plot against the country.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 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
-
Naqvi received the inaugural Television Academy Honor for his film Shame (2006, Showtime), and was a co-executive producer on two seasons of the Netflix Original series Turning Point.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The upturn was the result of somewhat lower mortgage interest rates and more homes for sale, said Jordan Levine, senior vice president and chief economist at the California Association of Realtors.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
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 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share