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
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 24 May 2025
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, called upon his subjects to search for the key to eternity in the 210’s B.C.
—Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
The pair was first seen together in May 2023, following the model’s split from soccer star João Félix.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Adjective
According to Screen, which was first to report news of the outage, the power also went down in several screening rooms, halting films midway through their showings, though the power in the Palais stayed on thanks to back-up generators.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 24 May 2025
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, called upon his subjects to search for the key to eternity in the 210’s B.C.
—Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Adverb
Hang Him to the Scales, which goes on first at 6 p.m., is an Asian shoegaze act based in Brooklyn while Christine Tassanet et les Imposteurs, performing at 7 p.m., are purveyors of the jazz genre manouche.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
The pair was first seen together in May 2023, following the model’s split from soccer star João Félix.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
Adjective
-
The swimmer, later identified as Sean Barton, a visitor from New Mexico, received initial treatment at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2025
-
Four out of the five former Biden White House officials tapped for congressional interviews have made initial contact with the committee via their lawyers since the chairman sent his letters on May 22, a source familiar with the panel’s work told the Washington Examiner.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The golden flying snake bears two main color morphs — a green-yellow form sports bold black streaks and occasional reddish dorsal spots, and another form where the same base hues are overlaid with subtler crossbars.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
In a statement on social media, the hospital said the attack resulted in severe damage to its main building.—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Mark Morgan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Cruise emerged as Hollywood's foremost advocate for the theatrical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters across the globe were staring down an uncertain future.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
22 May 2025
Adverb
-
Focus your energy instead on compromise and long-term peace with the right people.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
-
And the state instead just decided to attack his credibility.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2025
Adverb
-
In choosing that very name, however, the World War I Generation didn’t celebrate an American victory but rather celebrated the end of a traumatically destructive conflict.—
Michael Szalma,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 May 2025
-
But Pedro, or Joel, rather, is so painfully handsome, whoever was describing him to Abby couldn’t overlook that fact.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Zac Brown will also be honored with the inaugural Veterans Voice Award.—
Rachel DeSantis,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
The only transcript that is now available on the White House website is Trump’s inaugural address.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
The best thing small businesses can do right now is to be flexible and diversify their sourcing and procurement strategies, says Tala Akhavan, chief operating officer of Pietra, a platform that helps brands with sourcing, production and logistics among other services.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
-
Michael serves as co-executive chair of Rhode’s board and Lauren is President and chief brand officer.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adverb
-
Boats are only allowed beyond those points, preferably to watch from the ocean, by taking a vessel out to nearby Zach’s Bay.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2025
-
Scarpa recommends picking a heat pump with the highest seasonal energy efficiency rating, preferably above 15.—
Khanh T.L. Tran,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share