first 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfərst How to pronounce first (audio)
Definition of firstnext
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

first

2 of 2

adverb

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
Adjective
Player of the Week Senior outside hitter Quinn Grevengoed tallies 92 kills and 15 aces in seven matches and then is named MVP for host Chicago Christian as Knights take tournament title for first time since 2014. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 After filling our brushes with mouthwash from docking station reservoirs, Sarah and I brushed our teeth side-by-side (a first for both of us professionally). — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Adverb
About Rocket Mortgage Rocket Mortgage, formerly operating as Quicken Loans, was the industry’s first fully online mortgage lender. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Something close to $124 trillion in American wealth is projected to change hands by 2048, and Gen X is first in line. — Jon Sabes, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first
  1. initial
  2. main
  3. foremost
  4. instead
  5. rather
  6. inaugural
  7. primary
  8. chief
Adjective
  • The film is downright Tarkovskian for its initial hour, unspooling through eerie abstractions that heighten its lingering domestic turmoil.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Entertainment Weekly reached out to Grande’s reps for comment at the time of the initial lyric changes.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • The fourth-year pro with blazing speed had an impressive training camp and appeared to be one of the team’s main kick returners.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Its main instrument, known as the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will take extremely wide images of the universe, capturing ultra-high definition views across broad swaths of the sky.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, AI’s foremost critic is flouting the dress code.
    — Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The Move to Manchester The TV Festival’s impending move to Manchester was one of the foremost topics of conversation at this year’s edition.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of foremost
Adverb
  • So when Billie and Issa get an actual offer for drinks with two firefighters who come to the house, Billie puts on a goofy British accent à la Issa and turns them down, choosing a quiet night at home with her friend instead.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On September 6, 1901, a setting intended to showcase the thrill of a new century instead became the scene of a presidential assassination.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • Protectionism is generally not the cause of trade conflicts, but rather a symptom of imbalances that have endured for too long.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Thus polytheistic worship of deities and monist philosophy are not opposed but rather different ways of reaching the divine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rather
Adjective
  • Atlanta Drive announces roster for inaugural season A new era of women’s golf lands in November.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Busan’s industry platform, Asian Contents and Film Market (ACFM) recently named Thailand as the inaugural Country of Honor, as well as Japan as the Focus Country for Producer Hub.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Adjective
  • In 2025, Kelley told PEOPLE exclusively that his wife was his primary motivation for pursuing sobriety.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Fields and Mooney, who should take Austin’s place as the primary slot receiver, will be the other starters.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • These bags come from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s fall 2026 collection, her first as Fendi’s chief creative officer—and something of a homecoming for the Roman designer.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Former senior vice president of people and culture Erin Dangerfield, now Golden State’s chief people officer, allegedly questioned Vasquez about her responses in the survey.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of chief

Phrases Containing first

Browse Nearby Words

firm (up)
first
first base
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Cite this Entry

“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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