Synonyms for "first"

5 kid-friendly synonyms for first, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "first" mean?

The word first is an adjective that means: coming before all others.

Example: "I came in first."

Grade 3–5Stronger words for first

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for first

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of first (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of first:

See the full first antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for first

What is a good synonym for first in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try initial. For older students, "initial" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does first have?
We list 5 grade-appropriate synonyms for first across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is first a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, first is used as an adjective.

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