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
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—
CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
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.
—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
CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
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.
—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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.—
Anyssa Roberts,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa Dubois, Wyoming Dating from 1922, Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa sits in a prime location in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole and just a mile from the Continental Divide.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Our famous but past-her-prime hero saddles up for one more go at glory, kicks serious butt, but ultimately falls short.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In fact, Super Bowls are terrific opportunities to break out the slow cooker.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Adventures on both land and sea make Belize a popular destination, and its beaches and resorts are terrific for visitors who simply want to relax and enjoy the tropical climate.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The two supermassive black holes in the centers of each galaxy fall into orbit together and, like their stellar-mass cousins, can eventually spiral in and combine (though the details of this are a bit complex).—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Toyota's move to produce an electric midsize SUV is a risk the company can afford since it's bolstered by stellar sales numbers from its most popular models.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a tension, too, between the observant realism of Layton’s style and the derivativeness of the plotting, though the three leads, all superb, smooth it over with considerable skill.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Some offer sweeping waterfront views, others cozy corners made for lingering conversations, but all pair superb food with intimate ambiance.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s also a 55% greater chance of obesity and a 40% higher probability of developing type 2 diabetes.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Punishing success is a great formula for losing the successful.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Playing a thinly disguised version of himself, Reynolds is, as Schneeberger and Neibaur point out, funny, exasperating, and moving, and Rifkin’s impeccable tailoring of the role to fit his star gives Reynolds a wonderful summation with which to end his career.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Welcome to the wonderful world of better coffee.—
Noah Kaufman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating in Southlake has seen pet owners consider just giving up on having a lovely home.—
Kelley Bruss,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
My first night was in a Farmhouse Meadow Studio, with a vaulted ceiling, dormer, gas fireplace, and a huge sliding glass door opening onto a patio (which would’ve been lovely if the weather were warmer).—
Paul Brady,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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