as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of first-string
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
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Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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But the Red Sox destroyed and ended their relationship with their only true power hitter and proven winner for a player who, though an undeniably excellent addition, was here for 117 total games.—
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Transition metal fluorides are widely regarded as promising cathode materials because of their high theoretical voltages and excellent thermal stability.—
Adjective
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Serious shellers know to get to the beach early for prime specimens like sand dollars, whelks, and scallops.—
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With much of the 2026 path of totality crossing oceans and seas, cruise lines are planning extraordinary voyages to deliver passengers to prime viewing points.—
Adjective
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Special mention must be made of the in-room minibars, which are terrific, and so extensive that they are contained not within a single small fridge but an entire chest of drawers.—
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Lenert made a terrific save on a solid strike by JSerra midfielder Carter Biondolillo, with Lenert diving to his left to make the crucial stop in the second half.—
Adjective
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The Vikings had another stellar performance under the direction of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, finishing second in red zone touchdown rate and sack percentage and third in the league in yards allowed.—
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Available in four versatile colors—as well as a women’s straight-leg version—Free Fly has everyone covered with this stellar, do-it-all travel pant.—
Adjective
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The guest capacity of 3,246 feels delightfully low considering the mind-blowing variety of venues, including nine superb specialty restaurants (love a good steakhouse at sea) and seven that are winners even without an upcharge.—
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The Sofia, by Vagabond Haven, is a superb example of clever space-saving design.—
Adjective
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The country's greatest resource is not oil beneath the ground, but people--inside and outside the country--who still care deeply about its future.—
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Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.—
Adjective
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This has been a wonderful season.—
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Keep reading to discover all of the wonderful possibilities this tiny home unlocks, for just $9,800.—
Adjective
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At night, reach for a latte loaded with adaptogens, passionflower and hops (an herbal sleep blend), and magnesium glycinate, ideal for longer, lovelier rest.—
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Jeannine’s Jeannine’s is a longtime Santa Barbara favorite, and the At the Shore location features a lovely menu and a charming outdoor patio that feels more like a European cafe than a California brunch spot.—
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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