Another word for first
The best other words for first are initial, chief, initiation and initially.
- Most formal
- initiation, initial, primary
- Strongest
- supreme, foremost, initial
- Casual
- top
- Instead of “very first”
- earliest, initial, first-ever
First /fɝst/ (adjective, adverb, noun): First means preceding all others in time, order, rank, or importance. In simple words: coming before others in order, rank, or time. Below are 21 rated synonyms across 4 senses, plus 27 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
22 synonyms shown
Earliest in order · adjective
coming before all others
Highest rank · adjective
top in rank, importance, or place
First in a series · noun
the first item, event, or person in a sequence
First in time · adverb
before anything else happens
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- earliest — focuses on time, not rank
- opening — used for the start of an event or work
- original — the first version or source, not a copy
The dashed ring marks “first” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for first in your sentence
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How to choose
Use first for the plain, most neutral choice; switch to initial, principal, or foremost when you want a more formal or more precise tone. Avoid stacking near-synonyms like first and firstly unless you are clearly listing points.
Antonyms of first
- last
- final
- latest
- former
- subsequent
- secondary
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| initial | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| primary | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| leading | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| earliest | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| opening | 3/5 | neutral | creative, business, casual |
| original | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| top | 3/5 | casual | business, casual |
| chief | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| principal | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| premier | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| foremost | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| supreme | 5/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| beginning | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| starting point | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| initiation | 3/5 | academic | academic, business |
| forerunner | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| initially | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| originally | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| at first | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| firstly | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| first of all | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual |
Instead of “very first”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| very first | earliest, initial, first-ever |
| first and foremost | mainly, primarily, above all |
| at first | initially, originally, to begin with |
More words related to first
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “first”.
- earlier
- earlier on
- prior
- preceding
- precedent
- at the start
- at the outset
- in the beginning
- to begin with
- number one
- No. 1
- next to none
- the earliest
- one-time
- preceding the rest
- pioneer
- pathbreaking
- prototypical
- arch
- above all
- preliminary
- prelude
- priorly
- ahead of
- before anything else
- beforehand
- preceding in time
Questions about synonyms for first
What is the most formal or academic alternative to "first"?
"Initial" is often the best formal alternative when you mean the earliest stage or starting point. In academic prose, "initially" works well for adverbs, while "principal" is better when you mean most important rather than earliest.
What is a stronger or milder alternative to "first"?
"Foremost" is a stronger choice when you want to emphasize leading importance or rank. For a milder, more neutral alternative, "initial" or "earliest" often sounds less forceful than "first."
When should I use "first" versus "firstly"?
Use "first" in most writing because it is simpler and more natural. "Firstly" is mainly used to introduce the first item in a list, and many writers prefer "first" instead.
What is another word for first in a sequence?
Common choices are "initial," "earlier," or "preceding." In many contexts, "next" works when you mean the one that comes immediately after another.
What is another word for first in importance?
"Primary," "main," and "foremost" are natural alternatives. For a more casual tone, "top" or "best" may fit depending on the sentence.