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
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
Wednesday’s first-string receivers were Samuel and Chris Conley.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024
As of now, the first-string edge rushers appear to be Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu, with Drew Tuazama and Grant Buckey backing them up.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024
Puni has been the first-string right guard since the third practice of camp, after Spencer Burford sustained a fractured right hand that has not required surgery.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024
Fittingly, Van Roten arrived on a day when Jones and the Giants’ first-string offensive line had a disastrous and discouraging practice, reinforcing the new signing’s need.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 30 July 2024
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
Wednesday’s first-string receivers were Samuel and Chris Conley.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024
As of now, the first-string edge rushers appear to be Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu, with Drew Tuazama and Grant Buckey backing them up.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024
Puni has been the first-string right guard since the third practice of camp, after Spencer Burford sustained a fractured right hand that has not required surgery.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024
Fittingly, Van Roten arrived on a day when Jones and the Giants’ first-string offensive line had a disastrous and discouraging practice, reinforcing the new signing’s need.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 30 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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In a survey of more than 15,000 users after its rollout in 2024, 90% of respondents ranked their experience as excellent or above average.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Scott McKenna bossing the defence, Fabio Silva scoring goals for fun, Oli McBurnie bashing around and suddenly speaking excellent Spanish… this is a cause to believe in.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rob Refsnyder, who also had a terrific day by going 3 for 4 with two doubles, tallied an RBI double in the third inning to put the Red Sox up 4-0.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
-
But when the switch flips and the whole picture becomes clear, so does the terrific scope of Coogler’s triumph.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Furthermore, the chance of stellar bodies having a binary partner increases with mass, making a double-brown-dwarf star system pretty surprising.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Having established a stellar reputation for her homemade dinner plates, Dubuclet attracted a steadily growing clientele, primarily through word-of-mouth.—
Jasmine Browley,
Essence,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Without Alvarez, the Mets leaned heavily on Luis Torrens, who played superb defense and supplied key hits (.675 OPS).—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Each has a superb hit tool, with the capability of hitting for a high batting average, while scoring and driving in runs.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The show will explore the intersection of design, storytelling, and innovation, offering a rare glimpse into how truly great products are made.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Body gua shas tend to be bigger and have more angular or ridged builds that feel great on your arms, legs, and torso but might be too harsh on your face.—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And Giuseppe Trevisani, wonderful guy, is my favorite excuse of all.—
Domenico Starnone,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2025
-
There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The new City Hall is a prime example of misaligned priorities.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The brand also boasts thoughtful, flattering designs, and this crewneck shirt is a prime example.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
My fellow guests were relaxed, friendly, and simply excited to be having a lovely holiday at sea.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Eggs are lovely, smooth, elegant, and the subject of fine art.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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