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.

Rubio, who is paying his first visit to India, said he hoped to lay the groundwork for a Quad summit involving Trump.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

The first time she used ChatGPT her freshman year—for romance-novel recommendations—she was disappointed: Everything it recommended was obvious, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

More than 785 first responders and other emergency personnel, including firefighters, hazardous materials experts, public health officials and environmental scientists, have been mobilized since Friday, Newsom’s office said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

At the time Peter Murrell was the chief executive of the SNP, while his wife was party leader and Scotland's first minister.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Don’t make the first move with a guy.

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

first

Example Sentences

Related Words