as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
Newcomers Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant served as the first-string safeties.
—
Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
All five first-string Pacers (Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner) complement one another.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The Packers did not play their first-string offense.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024
As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
Martin, a redshirt sophomore, took first-string snaps in practice, every repetition coveted by a player who has thrown all of five passes in college.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Darnold can surely draw on his scout-team duties against the 49ers’ first-string defense last season and vice versa.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024
Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
All five first-string Pacers (Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner) complement one another.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The Packers did not play their first-string offense.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024
As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
Martin, a redshirt sophomore, took first-string snaps in practice, every repetition coveted by a player who has thrown all of five passes in college.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Darnold can surely draw on his scout-team duties against the 49ers’ first-string defense last season and vice versa.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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The enchanting espionage comedy flaunts an excellent Benicio del Toro as a 1950s industrialist, who, after surviving an attempt on his life, names his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton) as heir to his empire.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
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Amazon The latest MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent, lightweight laptop.—
Brenda Stolyar,
Wired News,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Even with challenging oppositions, Siakam has been terrific throughout the playoffs.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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The second half of the film is simpler and stronger, with a terrific supporting performance by ASAP Rocky as a rapper named Yung Felon.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Second, and maybe just as important, the Vikings have produced three years of stellar quarterback infrastructure.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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The two films will kick-off what’s expected to be as stellar June in terms of ticket sales.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Finney-Smith would be a superb 3-and-D starting power forward if Jarrett Allen is traded and the Cavaliers move Mobley to center.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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Its sound quality is superb, with deep bass and crisp, clear vocals, and the DTS Headphone:X surround tech adds a lot to the experience.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The Seven of Pentacles is a gentle reminder that great things take time.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
-
Erica’s great grandfather was one of a group of 15 that formed a wine cooperative in Sant’Antioco in 1932, the first in Sardinia.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Your wonderful dog may or may not hanker to break routine and go on holiday.—
John Oseid,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Keeping him healthy remains a priority, but as multiple players begin to show the benefits of consistent playing time, Herrera stands out as a prime example.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
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No longer were the Wolves surrendering prime real estate to the Thunder in their own end.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Why the lovely Mehri falls for such a loser — Hamid is one of the least charming grooms in recent memory — can only by explained by the lack of options available to her.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
23 May 2025
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The scoring sequence followed a lovely Bobrovsky save on a shorthanded odd-man rush — the Cats firing on all cylinders.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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