first off

adverb

Definition of first offnext
as in first

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first off
  1. first
  2. now
  3. early
  4. before long
Adverb
  • The team sought to identify an anomaly first seen in satellite images in 2020.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers first switched out three of the pairings, then the other three, before eventually changing all six.
    — Sean Mccabe, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of first
Adverb
  • Multiple states now restrict forever chemicals, with Minnesota last year banning the intentional addition of PFAS to 11 categories of consumer products, including dental floss.
    — Margaret Hetherman The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In retrospect, many Democrats now think that the candidates in 2020 were too willing to bow to pressure with cameras rolling.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of now
Adverb
  • The latest demonstrations, held Saturday, encouraged Americans to vote early in the upcoming midterm elections.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Some began working for Union Pacific as early as the 1950s, in jobs that included track maintenance, signal maintenance, conducting and engineering.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of early
Adverb
  • But the time when those decisions go from future to current business, including with Moss, will start creeping up here before long.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Benton suggested that there’s a chance AI systems could come to exist as a sort of separate species before long.
    — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of before long
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.

Browse Nearby Words

first names
first off
first-rate
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Cite this Entry

“First off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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