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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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Additionally, having read about the extensive fabric testing conducted by Article to ensure abrasion resistance (150% more testing than industry standard!), I was reassured that this would be an excellent investment piece for our home.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
12 May 2025
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Maddison is responsible for dropping deep and pinging passes into dangerous areas, while Kulusevski and Bergvall are excellent ball-carriers.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Comment Wow, what a terrific series finale to Luthen, the acclaimed Disney+ show about the rebel who challenged an Empire, and also all of the other rebels, mostly by lecturing them incessantly.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Vulture,
14 May 2025
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Already an Olympic bronze medalist thanks to her play for Team USA's 3 vs. 3 squad at the 2024 Paris games, Van Lith concluded a terrific NCAA career with a final season starring in the Big 12 for Texas Christian University.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
After a stellar back-and-forth battle, Valkyria, fighting through what Raw announcer Michael Cole speculated was a broken nose, surprised Lynch with a quick and crafty pin to beat her former mentor.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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The locals sure aren't, with an increasing number of surfers finally catching on to the islands' stellar swells.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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The high-quality tri-ply cladding (two layers of stainless steel with an aluminum core) does a superb job spreading heat evenly across the surface of the pan, delivering consistent and even cooking results.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 May 2025
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With superb cinematography from Jermaine Edwards, the visual look here is almost poetic at times.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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In fact, 89% of C-suite marketers recognize that employees can bring great value to their businesses as influencers.—
Sarah Goodall,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Even in Paris, this would make a great evening bag and match practically any outfit.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.—
Cat Sposato,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Groundcovers also cover bare soil that’s prime territory for grass seeds to land and take root.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
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Those prime seats offered her a rare opportunity: to be off her feet and catch her breath before hopping on a jet to her next high-profile affair.—
Heran Mamo,
Billboard,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Flavors of light red fruit, cherry tart and sparking acidity with a lovely finish and pronounced length.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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The plot is basic and the dialogue merely serviceable, but there are lovely scenery shots throughout, the vastness, gentle light and deep colors of the American West illustrated carefully and evocatively by Hutchins’ — and Cline’s — camera work.—
Jocelyn Noveck,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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