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.

Curacao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan will play in the tournament for the first time.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Tuesday's hearing was the first criminal sentencing of its kind since the new law came into force in England and Wales on 1 April.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Unyx 07 sedan—the first of over 20 new models planned this year—though analysts note these vehicles still lag behind the leading edge of Chinese automotive technology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

In fact, this is the first time they have qualified since 2002, as they did not have to qualify in 2010, having hosted the tournament.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

But when I think about that first kiss being with Alex, it also makes my knees weak.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

first

Example Sentences

Related Words