first-rate

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrāt How to pronounce first-rate (audio)
Definition of first-ratenext
as in excellent
of the very best kind wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of first-rate Food and drink Sabora Tented Camp excels in the first-rate food and drink experience crucial to a luxury safari. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 New York’s famous Atomic Wings are back in Texas, this time with a much better restaurant that showcases the first-rate chicken. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026 The cocktail scene at eight different bars and lounges is first-rate, and every gathering seems to start or end with Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015, the house pour. — David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026 The good news is, in a host of overseas havens first-rate medical facilities, English-speaking doctors, and exceptionally high standards of care are the norm. — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-rate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-rate
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. terrific
  4. wonderful
  5. great
  6. fantastic
  7. lovely
  8. awesome
Adjective
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Segovia produced a superb spin before firing into the far corner.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • With the ups and downs of that season under his belt and Cam Coleman catching his passes, Manning should be terrific.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Jamal Murray, Jokic, Gordon and Johnson are terrific — when healthy.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • There’s this wonderful character in the book, Lucky’s childhood friend [Steph].
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Toronto is a wonderful city, and this will be a Saturday night game featuring Sidney Crosby in the place for hockey.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Rivera-Vega is suspected of setting the fire and also had been charged with arson causing great bodiliy injury before the woman died.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Starting the election calendar in South Carolina is intended in part to give Black voters a greater voice at the outset of the nominating process.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • And there’s just so much nonsense, frankly, and fantastical — bear hunting can be dangerous.
    — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Moments later, the duo was back in all of its fantastic polka-dot glory, complete with those oversized masks, and doing some quick stretching/calisthenics to get ready for the show.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of fantastic
Adjective
  • My lovely therapist even gave me a map of the feet at the end to help me decipher where best to apply pressure at home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This formula that not only acts as a deodorant, but imparts a lovely fragrance (and that's particularly appealing in the dead of summer).
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • Quarterback Bear Bachmeier was awesome as a true freshman last year and can be the type of player to take the Cougars to the next level.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • And to have everything that happened in between was awesome, too.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of awesome

Browse Nearby Words

first off
first-rate
first-rateness
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Cite this Entry

“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-rate. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on first-rate

Nglish: Translation of first-rate for Spanish Speakers

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