Foremost — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈfȯr-ˌmōst/ fore·most

Meaning & Definition of Foremost

Foremost (adjective)

  1. first in a series or progression
  2. of first rank or position, preeminent

Foremost (adverb)

  1. in the first place
  2. most importantly

Foremost (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. coming before all others in importance

    "Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century"

    similar: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign, supreme
    related: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, top, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
    opposite: last, least
    near: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

  2. highest in rank or authority

    "wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department"

    similar: chief, commanding, first, head, high, lead, leading, preeminent, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supereminent, supreme, top, in charge
    related: high-level, senior, controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory, main, major, paramount, predominant, predominate, sovereign, ascendant, dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermost
    near: ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary, assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under

  3. coming before all others in time or order

    "when the foremost person in line tripped, everyone had to stop"

    similar: earliest, first, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin
    related: ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial, antecedent, preceding, previous
    opposite: final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate
    near: advanced, late, consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding, penultimate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Foremost

The most common words with a similar meaning to Foremost:

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign, supreme, commanding, head, high, lead, presiding, prime, supereminent, top, earliest

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Foremost

Words with the opposite meaning of Foremost:

last, least, final, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate

Related Words for Foremost

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned, controlling

Near Antonyms of Foremost

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary, ancillary, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under, advanced, late, consequent, ensuing

Origin & Etymology of Foremost

Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Foremost

first and foremost, foremost/uppermost in someone's mind

Frequently Asked Questions about Foremost

What does "Foremost" mean?

"Foremost" means first in a series or progression. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: first in a series or progression. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Foremost"?

Other words for "Foremost" include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant and first. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Foremost" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Foremost"?

There are 101 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Foremost". Common alternatives include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand and great.

What is the opposite of "Foremost"?

Antonyms of "Foremost" include last, least, final, latest, latter, terminal, terminating and ultimate. Near antonyms include inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant and minor.

How do you use "Foremost" in a sentence?

Examples of "Foremost" in a sentence: "Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century"; "wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department"; "when the foremost person in line tripped, everyone had to stop".

Is "Foremost" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Foremost" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Foremost"?

"Foremost" is pronounced /ˈfȯr-ˌmōst/ and divided into syllables as fore·most.

What is the origin of the word "Foremost"?

"Foremost" comes from Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore. First known use: before 12th century.