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Dictionary.com
Definitions

first

[furst] / fɜrst /
ADJECTIVE
earliest in order
Synonyms
STRONGEST
early
STRONG
aboriginal antecedent anterior basic beginning cardinal front fundamental head inaugural initial key leading opening original pioneer premier primary prime primitive
WEAK
elementary first off headmost in the beginning inceptive incipient introductory lead off number one numero uno primeval primogenial primordial pristine right up front rudimentary
Antonyms
STRONGEST
last
STRONG
ending extra final following second
ADJECTIVE
highest in importance
Synonyms
STRONG
arch champion chief dominant foremost head leading main premier primary prime primo principal ranking ruling sovereign
WEAK
A number one advanced eminent first-class first-string greatest head of the line number one outstanding paramount predominant preeminent supreme top of the list top-flight
Antonyms
STRONG
auxiliary inessential inferior least minor secondary subordinate trivial unimportant unnecessary
ADVERB
at the beginning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
initially originally
WEAK
ahead at the outset before all else beforehand in the first place to begin with to start with
Antonyms
WEAK
finally last

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It did not grant review to decide the Batson claim in the first instance.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Curry, who says he's always had an interest in space-related films, hopes the song gets a "second life now" and his next ambition is to be the first rapper to perform in space.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Porsche car deliveries fell 15% in the first quarter as the end of production of its petrol-powered 718 range and the discontinuation of tax incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. dented sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Under Batson, the first step asks whether the defendant has made a prima facie showing of discrimination.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Awesiinh and Dalton share a glance, and for a second, I think they’re finally, for the first time, honestly considering playing my song.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith