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.

The self-taught Mr. Wash ran workshops while incarcerated, helping develop artists who might one day be among the center’s first residents.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The committee’s first and most notable case was in 1979.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Altman isn’t the first billionaire who might do a big media deal for reasons other than sincere interest in media.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

It will be the first Masters since 1994 that does not feature either three-time winner Phil Mickelson or Woods.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“Maybe basic is best the first time?” he said.

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

first

Example Sentences

Related Words