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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.

For the first decade of his career, he lived in an apartment and worried about paying for vacations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Their first experience with homeownership left them with a $25,000 loss when they sold their property in the depths of the 2008-09 financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Fiorello, winless in eight starts since winning his debut 11 months ago, edged Thirsty Rebel to win the first of two $125,000 stakes for Cal-breds, the Eddie Echo.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

It is the first time this season the Gunners have suffered back-to-back defeats and it is just their fifth loss of this campaign.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Needless to say, I was late for first period world history.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.