foremost

1 of 2

adjective

fore·​most ˈfȯr-ˌmōst 

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 Civil War period.

foremost

2 of 2

adverb

1

: in the first place

2

: most importantly

first and foremost

Synonyms

Adjective

• arch
• big
• capital
• cardinal
• central
• chief
• dominant
• first
• grand
• great
• greatest
• highest
• key
• leading
• main
• master
• number one
• No. 1
• numero uno
• overbearing
• overmastering
• overriding
• paramount
• predominant
• preeminent
• premier
• primal
• primary
• principal
• prior
• sovereign
• sovran
• supreme

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

Adjective

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. —Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

The founder is one of India’s foremost fashion curators who brought Indian fashion together for 30 years. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024

Adverb

And mourning’s winding, unpredictable path remains foremost in their thoughts. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

There are many complications, however. Chief and foremost, how the heck can the Wild even fit him in considering their miniscule cap space? —Michael Russo, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024

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

Phrases Containing foremost

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

Kids Definition

foremost

adjective

fore·​most

-ˌmōst

: first in time, place, or order : most important

foremost adverb