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.

Water voles have been reintroduced into a nature reserve for the first time in 40 years.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Previously, the record was held by Jeremy Maçon when he was first elected at the age of 21 in 2008.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Thirty two years ago, the first World Cup to be staged in the US helped propel the sport into the mainstream.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

In her first press conference since announcing her return, Williams played down suggestions she would extend her return to singles competition.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

I learn a fair amount with the first four questions.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

first

Example Sentences

Related Words