first choice

Primary selection made

First choice is the option you prefer above all others, the thing you'd pick if nothing constrained you: Harvard was her first choice for college.

It often implies that alternatives exist but are less desirable.

As an adjective, first-choice describes the preferred option: He's our first-choice candidate for the position.

priority

preference

Favored choice among alternatives

precedenceSuperior rank or importance
primacyCondition of being foremost
top pickPreferred selection above others

frontrunner · favorite · number one · go-to · default · standby · fallback · best bet · shoo-in

opportunity

chance

Likelihood of occurrence

openingGap or start
shotQuick liquor serving
crackNarrow break or attempt

dibs · early access · window · prospect · option · possibility

selection

pick

Pointed breaking tool

draft pickAthlete chosen by team
lottery pickLuck-determined draft slot
electChoose by vote

nominee · designee · appointee · selectee · handpicked · conscious decision

advantage

edge

Boundary or sharpness

upper handPosition of control
privilegeExclusive right or benefit
head startBeginning advantage given

leg up · inside track · pole position · preeminence · dominance · trump card · golden opportunity · best shot · preferential treatment

Categories

firstsinitial, beginning, start, opening, original
selection statusselected, unselected, unchosen, picked, rejected
favoritesfavorite, beloved, cherished, darling, dearest
Easy Thingseasy, simple, easy peasy, easy-peasy, easy as pie
Safe Betsfavorite, best bet, slam dunk, shoo-in, sure thing
votingballot, vote, voters, ballots, voter

Opposites

preference ranking

first choicelast resort

Final available option

last pick · fallback · backup · plan B · backup plan

Family

first, choice, choose, chosen, choosing, chose, choices, chooser

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G