foremost

1 of 2

adjective

fore·​most ˈfȯr-ˌmōst How to pronounce foremost (audio)
Synonyms of foremost
1
: first in a series or progression
Safety is their foremost concern.
2
: of first rank or position : preeminent
He is the foremost authority on the American Revolutionary period.

foremost

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in the first place
2
: most importantly
first and foremost

Synonyms of foremost

Relevance

Adjective

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Examples of foremost in a Sentence

Adjective Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century. wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The Move to Manchester The TV Festival’s impending move to Manchester was one of the foremost topics of conversation at this year’s edition. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 Pamela Herd and Donald Moynihan, two of the foremost scholars of American public administration, have identified three key types of administrative costs the government imposes on citizens. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The roadmap First and foremost, the field of climate communications has an ecosystem of committed experts that have worked tirelessly for over a decade to reach the global population. — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The University of Minnesota’s Gordon Gullion, America’s foremost ruffed grouse expert, has been studying grouse habits and habitat in the Cloquet (Minnesota) study area for almost 30 years. — Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foremost

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

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

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foremost was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing foremost

Rhymes for foremost

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Browse Nearby Words

forematter
foremost
foremostly
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Cite this Entry

“Foremost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foremost. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foremost

adjective
fore·​most
-ˌmōst
: first in time, place, or order : most important
foremost adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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