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.

Protesters have been steadily gathering for a week ahead of a massive protest planned for Tlalpan, near the Azteca Stadium on Wednesday night ahead of the first match.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The World Cup kicks off on Thursday night with the opening ceremony and the first game between Mexico and and South Africa.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The first serious legal challenge to the House settlement on NIL monies will come courtesy of a USC Trojans freshman linebacker.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

It is not the first time such an investigation has proved contentious.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

In the first years of colonization, English became the only language approved for use in school, work, or public buildings.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

first

Example Sentences

Related Words