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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.

Barshay, 60 years old, is Paul Weiss’s first chair from the corporate side of the firm in its more than 150-year history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

UCLA’s suffocating defense held the Gamecocks to 25.7% shooting in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

China's Zhao Xintong thrashed world number one Judd Trump 10-3 to claim his first Tour Championship title in Manchester.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

That’s all contributed to a stronger first quarter in the theatrical business, as this year’s revenue was up more than 20% compared with the same period in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

At first, you can’t believe that the stories are real in a place without magic, but it’s hard to deny your own eyes.

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

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