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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Alabama got 24 points from Mark Sears and had excellent defensive stretches but couldn’t finish.—
Joe Rexrode,
The Athletic,
2 Mar. 2025
-
More Deebo Samuel news: 49ers Send Star WR Deebo Samuel to Commanders in Blockbuster Trade Samuel will take his talents to the nation's capital and look to take the Commanders to the next level after an excellent year for the young Washington team.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Just look at the terrific films and stars left standing, shut out.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
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And Kieran Culkin is the highlight of the piece, absolutely terrific in a mercurial and emotional role, and the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild winner is the clear favorite to win best supporting actor.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This leaves a stellar remnant with between one and two times the mass of the sun condensed into a width of around 12 miles (20 kilometers).—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
State of play: The soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders is the stuff of legend, fueled in part by both teams having some stellar seasons to look back on.—
Melissa Santos,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The voice cast is superb right down the line, especially Harrelson’s Mr. Peanut.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
7 Mar. 2025
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The goaltenders were superb as Ethan Bauer had 34 saves for Belmont, while Graham Emerick turned aside 35 for Winchester.—
Danny Ventura,
Boston Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
By Nellie Bowles March 31, 2020 Get Outside and Safely Visit a National Park Now is the time to start looking ahead, to spring and summer excursions in the great outdoors.—
Aatish Bhatia,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2025
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Although Seattle’s skill talent has been great, Smith has never played behind even an average offensive line, and his last two offensive coordinators weren’t good enough to keep their jobs.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
The Athletic,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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So actually, the story can be looked at as a celebration of the fact that your disability can just be one wonderful part of you.—
Esme Mazzeo,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2025
-
And now my wonderful desk light is starting to flicker.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Great Recession of 2007–2009 was a prime example of the connection between fashion and financial instability.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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One of the prime advantages of electrification is how quickly and smoothly stability and traction control can react to a loss of grip.—
Tim Stevens,
Ars Technica,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Within its pages is a lovely story of the neverending struggle between security and new technology that provides a useful backdrop to current events: in particular, the Chinese hacking of the American telecommunications infrastructure.—
David G.W. Birch,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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The set features a lovely pattern of yellow and teal flowers with deep sage green leaves and detailing around the edge.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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