first rate

Of highest quality

First rate means of the highest quality or excellence: a first-rate performance, first-rate accommodations.

The term originated in naval classification, where ships were ranked by size and firepower—first-rate vessels being the largest warships.

Now it applies broadly to anything outstanding: She's a first-rate surgeon.

Also spelled first-rate.

excellence

premium

Added cost for better

superiorHigher in rank
eliteSuperior select group
exceptionalNotably above the norm

outstanding · superb · excellent · top-notch · world-class · finest · best · supreme · unmatched · unsurpassed

selection

choice

Act of selecting

selectCarefully pick from options
primeReadying for action
pickedChose from options

premium · top-tier · finest · cream · pick · top-drawer · top-shelf · grade-A · blue-chip · gilt-edged

craftsmanship

artisanal

Made by skilled craftspeople

handcraftedMade manually, not machined
bespokeMade to individual specifications
gourmetConnoisseur of fine cuisine

boutique · curated · meticulous · masterful · skilled · precision · quality · crafted · detailed · expert

luxury

high-end

Premium quality tier

upscaleElegant and expensive
exclusiveLimited to one group
deluxeSuperior in quality

prestigious · lavish · opulent · refined · exquisite · elegant · fancy · posh · swanky · plush

Categories

Masterymaster, mastered, expert, pro, ace
superlativesexcellent, superb, best, outstanding, supreme
Excellence Termscream of the crop, top notch, gold standard, crème de la crème, best of the best
praiselauding, compliments, laudation, accolades, great job
slang approvalawesome, cool, rad, sweet, dope
top tierelite, premier, premium, prime, best

Opposites

quality/excellence

first rateterrible

Extremely poor or distressing

awful · dreadful · abysmal · poor · inferior

ranking/tier

first ratelast

Final in sequence

bottom-tier · worst · rock-bottom · bush-league · minor-league

Family

first, rate, rating, first-rate, ratings

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G