FIRSTLY Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

firstly

adverb

ˈfərst-lē

Definition of firstly

as in originally

in the beginning firstly, gather all the ingredients together

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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 firstly This is because, firstly, there is an extra knockout stage match and, secondly, weaker teams will be competing more regularly, providing top players such as Mbappe and Kane with ample opportunities to rack up the goals. — Peter Carline, New York Times, 26 June 2026 If experiencing heat illness, Helberg recommends, firstly, calling 911 for medical help. — Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026 The three ingredients at the start was firstly Julian’s love of American vintage clothing and the approach to vintage American cotton. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 Chronis has been with the fund since 2019, firstly as a feature film consultant and then as Head of Feature Film & Documentary since 2021. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firstly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firstly

Adverb

The man who prosecutors say originally gave the gun to Davis is also dead.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
The game, originally scheduled for last Friday, was full of yellow flags.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of originally

Adverb

Carrying five tight ends is excessive, so there probably won’t be room for Fidone unless Theo Johnson’s shoulder injury is more serious than initially believed.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
In one simulation, the AI initially assigned a 72% probability that a nearby vessel was simply passing through.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of initially

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first-line

firstly

first name

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

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Synonyms of firstly

adverb

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