Synonyms for

First

Verb / fɜ:st / Another word for first — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st

Synonyms & similar words

beginning start getgo showtime firstbase firstofall initiatory lowgear offset middle st foremost maiden inaugural second firstclasshonoursdegree startingtime forthefirsttime outset commencement numberone last initiative firstly firstoff earliest initial primary premier prime early beginning foremost pioneer leading headmost top front ahead antecedent first-ever inaugural introductory maiden original

Synonyms by register

Formal

initial primary earliest foremost

Informal

top number one best leading

Literary

premier primeval original

Antonyms

last final subsequent following later hindmost rearmost

Common collocations

  • first place
  • first time
  • first impression
  • first name
  • first class
  • first priority
  • first attempt
  • first light

Word family

noun first
adjective first
adverb firstly

Usage note

As an ordinal number, 'first' indicates the position in a sequence. It can also be used as an adjective or adverb to denote the beginning or earliest occurrence.

Example sentences

  1. I was the first one to finish my test.
  2. The first day of school is always exciting.
  3. The first step in baking cookies is to preheat the oven.
  4. She won first place in the race.
  5. I always eat my vegetables first.

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