foremost

1 of 2

adjective

fore·​most ˈfȯr-ˌmōst How to pronounce foremost (audio)
Synonyms of foremost
1
: first in a series or progression
Safety is their foremost concern.
2
: of first rank or position : preeminent
He is the foremost authority on the American Revolutionary period.

foremost

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in the first place
2
: most importantly
first and foremost

Synonyms of foremost

Relevance

Adjective

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Examples of foremost in a Sentence

Adjective Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century. wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The former is one of the world's foremost entertainment capitals, and the latter has a starving fan base and state-of-the-art venue in Climate Pledge Arena. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 These heirlooms, known as tekemets, reflected the full spectrum of steppe values, depicting sacral elements such as koshkar muiz (‘ram horns’ in Kazakh), the foremost symbol of wealth, abundance, and fertility. — Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026
Adverb
In 2001, 64 percent of respondents identified primarily as Muslim, and only 34 percent identified foremost as Turkish citizens. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 The once-ragtag group now controlled the Bab el Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s foremost maritime trade chokepoints. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foremost

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foremost was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing foremost

Rhymes for foremost

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Browse Nearby Words

forematter
foremost
foremostly
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Cite this Entry

“Foremost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foremost. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foremost

adjective
fore·​most
-ˌmōst
: first in time, place, or order : most important
foremost adverb
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