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
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
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
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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There are many excellent CRM platforms that are available at a much lower price point and that can serve the needs of most small and mid-sized businesses.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Along the way, there have been some other expressions as well, including single barrel, barrel-proof whiskeys, a series of excellent cask-strength American single malts, and rye whiskeys made with different grain varietals.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Beyond features a farewell to Nimoy’s Spock and an image of Shatner’s crew from The Undiscovered Country, and otherwise has terrific character moments (particularly between Quinto and Karl Urban) and great action beats (like Kirk saving the day with the help of the Beastie Boys).—
Chris Snellgrove,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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The longest Prime Day ever is around the corner — but Amazon is giving us a preview of the stellar discounts to come.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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Capping off a stellar match between two of WWE’s most beloved babyfaces, Rhodes was able to capitalize on Orton’s own decision to expose a turnbuckle to earn himself a WWE Championship match at SummerSlam in August.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Uptempo with a bit of a ’90s country flair, the song is a superb, full-throttle musical vehicle for Housman’s confident, charismatic voice.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
23 June 2025
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Moore, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Tennessee, hit his first big-league home run, a game-tying solo shot to center field in the seventh inning, and preserved that tie with a superb diving catch of Yainer Diaz’s 109-mph line drive with two runners on to end the top of the eighth.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.—
Bernice Ooi,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
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And the dip in oxygen levels caused by apneas may also damage small blood vessels in your brain, putting you at greater risk of cognitive decline and perhaps even dementia.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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As a prime example, within the automotive industry, development cycles can take years—by design rather than inefficiency—and as a result extending the time required to integrate into the system and become part of the production process.—
Nicole LeBlanc,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The menu features a range of prime steaks, from classic filet mignon to specialty A5 Japanese wagyu strip, and a line of seafood appetizers and entrees.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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With so many lovely fruits at our fingertips, there’s no reason to trifle with making a trifle this summer.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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Jake looked back over a decade’s worth of Denis stating his desire to one day direct Bond and there is some lovely detail – the clues were there from the start.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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