Find Synonyms

first Synonyms

Another word for first

Choosing another word for first depends on context, so the 48 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 12 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Coming before all others in time, order, or sequence; earliest.

Usage Example

"She published her earliest novel shortly after graduating from university."

Strongest
earliest
initial
Strong
opening
inaugural
original
introductory
beginning
maiden
primary
premier

• pronoun (Context 2)

The person or thing that comes before all others in time, order, series, or rank.

Usage Example

"She was the pioneer to arrive at the lecture hall and the last to leave."

Strong
pioneer
forerunner
leader

• adverb (Context 3)

Before any other person or thing in time, order, or sequence; at the beginning.

Usage Example

"Please read the instructions carefully first of all before assembling the shelving unit."

Strongest
first of all
firstly
initially
Strong
to begin with
at first
beforehand

• noun (Context 4)

An event, achievement, or instance that has never happened or been done before; an unprecedented occurrence.

Usage Example

"Completing the marathon in under three hours was a personal milestone for the dedicated runner."

Strong
milestone
novelty
breakthrough
innovation
precedent

• adjective (Context 5)

Foremost in position, rank, quality, or importance.

Usage Example

"Safety is always our foremost priority when designing new public transit systems."

Strongest
foremost
primary
paramount
chief
principal
Strong
leading
premier
prime
top
supreme

• adverb (Context 6)

For the first time.

Usage Example

"The two scientists initially met at an international conference in Geneva."

Strongest
initially
Strong
originally

• pronoun (Context 7)

The beginning or earliest part of something, especially the first day of a month.

Usage Example

"Rent payments are due on the beginning of every month."

Strongest
beginning
start
Strong
outset
onset
commencement

• noun (Context 8)

The lowest forward gear in a motor vehicle or bicycle transmission, used for starting from a stationary position or climbing steep inclines.

Usage Example

"He shifted the manual transmission into first gear as the car approached the steep mountain grade."

Strongest
first gear
low gear
Strong
low

• noun (Context 9)

An undergraduate degree awarded with first-class honors, representing the highest academic distinction at a British university.

Usage Example

"She graduated with a first-class degree in history from Oxford University."

Strongest
first-class degree
first-class honours

• noun (Context 10)

First base in the game of baseball or softball.

Usage Example

"The batter hit a sharp grounder and sprinted toward first base."

Strongest
first base
Strong
initial sack

• adverb (Context 11)

In preference to something else; rather; sooner.

Usage Example

"She vowed she would resign from the committee sooner before compromising her ethical standards."

Strongest
sooner
rather
Strong
preferably

• adjective (Context 12)

Designating the highest or leading voice or instrument of a particular section in an orchestra or choir.

Usage Example

"After years of dedicated practice, he was appointed principal violin in the symphony orchestra."

Strongest
principal
lead
Strong
leading

Opposites of first

The opposite of first shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

last
final
end
lastly
finally
least
latest
second
See all opposites of first

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for First. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/first
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