first-rate

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrāt How to pronounce first-rate (audio)
Definition of first-ratenext
as in excellent
of the very best kind wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-rate Food and drink Sabora Tented Camp excels in the first-rate food and drink experience crucial to a luxury safari. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 New York’s famous Atomic Wings are back in Texas, this time with a much better restaurant that showcases the first-rate chicken. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026 The cocktail scene at eight different bars and lounges is first-rate, and every gathering seems to start or end with Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015, the house pour. — David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026 The good news is, in a host of overseas havens first-rate medical facilities, English-speaking doctors, and exceptionally high standards of care are the norm. — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-rate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-rate
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. terrific
  4. wonderful
  5. great
  6. lovely
  7. fantastic
  8. awesome
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • MacDonald makes superb use of the story’s Manchester backdrop.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, this is fundamentally a showcase for Bailey, a superb young actress already capable of formidable emotional depth and yet never showy.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The cabin interiors are built from a lovely blonde wood, which was aesthetically pleasing, if a little creaky at times, while the white linens on the comfortable queen bed were a subtle reminder that this is a luxury accommodation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • McGraw gave a lovely tribute to Parton via social media this week.
    — David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • But in this fourth adventure, the more fantastical bits distract.
    — Frank DeRuggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Sugo is a fantastic circuit—not too long, tons of elevation change, plenty of very satisfying mid-speed corners, and some beautiful views.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fantastic
Adjective
  • These ideas flew over our heads as kids, and we were mostly occupied by the pretty lights and awesome fight scenes.
    — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Thank you for the awesome times and thank you to everyone who has worked there.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of awesome

Browse Nearby Words

first off
first-rate
first-rateness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-rate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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