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.

His first goal had a touch of fortune as he latched onto Dembele's deflected shot, but his second was a thunderous finish before he completed his hat-trick with a delightful, curling effort.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

He's only netted once for Mexico in his first seven games - against Iceland - but there's more to come from him.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

He also scored his first international goal in March, against Mauritania, one of an eclectic mix of opponents for Scaloni's side in friendlies played this year.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

She will face Greece's Maria Sakkari in the first round on Tuesday.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Although the Americans leave Manila in the hands of the Japanese—temporarily, at least—and the Propaganda Corps works tirelessly to disseminate their messages, the Imperial Japanese Army struggles in the first months of the occupation.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

first

Example Sentences

Related Words