in the first degree

phrase

: of the most serious type : deserving the harshest punishment
She was accused of murder in the first degree.

Examples of in the first degree in a Sentence

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He is charged with official misconduct in the first degree, which is punishable by up to 12 months behind bars, if convicted, and unlawful access to a computer in the fourth degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 90 days. — Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 The filings came as the 15-year-old was formally charged with assault in the first degree with a firearm enhancement and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Phillips was charged in a three-count indictment, charging him with second degree grand larceny and two counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 Once that juror felt comfortable convicting in the first degree, Feldman said, the deliberations were done and the jury notified the judge of its verdict. — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the first degree

Rhymes for in the first degree

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“In the first degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20first%20degree. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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