FIRST-RATE Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-rate

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrāt

Definition of first-rate

as in excellent

of the very best kind wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using

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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

Adjective

There’s an excellent Anantara Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center onsite, but the highlight of the property is its 60-foot-long oceanfront infinity pool, which overlooks the entire expanse of Stone Town beach.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The movie looks terrific, with DP Jeff Cronenweth returning to provide visual consistency with The Social Network and Alexandre Desplat’s elegant score feeding the tension without working too hard at it.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
This puzzle is stuffed with nuance, pleasing crosses and a lot of simply terrific, ridiculously evocative stuff — for example, a jarring assortment of lovely trivia intersecting with some hideous ailments at more than one juncture.

— Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

There is a wonderful museum in the park that interactively showcases the landscape and cultural history of the Chacabuco Valley as well as this part of the region's ecological loss and path to recovery.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Howell and Sloyan are quite wonderful in these moments, and Howell is exceptional throughout.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The rich collections do a great job of honoring visual traditions and explaining their connections to real people and real places.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Despite deep-rooted tensions between southerners and the PLC, both are in agreement that the Houthi threat is far greater than that of the other.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The Brasserie beside it, a continuation of the same vibe, focuses on French dishes with some good vegetarian options, and hosts a breakfast buffet with lovely local products.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The lovely south-facing casement windows in the living room are original; at the other end of the apartment is enough room for a second bedroom or office, plus a closet).

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

That delta amongst the categories keep growing and that is fantastic.

— Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Pickleball is fantastic exercise, but the courts are hard and rapid stops and sudden lateral shifts place significant physical demands on your lower body.

— Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of fantastic

Adjective

These cans offer awesome sound features like Hi-Res clarity, 50 hours of battery life, a 5-minute fast charge that can give you 4 hours of playback.

— Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Technology is at the heart of facials, especially, from a skin analysis machine and facial sculpting wand to a cryotherapy mask that was positively icy—but also awesome—at -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of awesome

Browse Nearby Words

first off

first-rate

first-rateness

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“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-rate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-rate

adjective

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