first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce first-string (audio)
Definition of first-stringnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
  1. excellent
  2. terrific
  3. stellar
  4. superb
  5. great
  6. wonderful
  7. prime
  8. lovely
Adjective
  • After an excellent debut, Nikki Glaser has unsurprisingly been tapped to host the Golden Globes again.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The retailer’s quarter last week is somehow being regarded as less than excellent.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • In less than 25 minutes, Jarrett provided a terrific start to what the Bears could market as a fun tear-off calendar of one-a-day Gradyisms.
    — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • There's Connie Britton...Dan [Stevens] was terrific.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • Joining Whitaker is a stellar ensemble cast, including Ilfenesh Hadera, Lucy Fry, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Erik LaRay Harvey, Michael Raymond James, Elvis Nolasco, and Erik Palladino.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Mele has played an invaluable part in putting together stellar casts for our highest-profile current series.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • The make-your-own strawberry shortcake was wonderful and the Donny & Marie concert was superb.
    — Ticked Off, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Its sound quality is superb, with deep bass and crisp, clear vocals, and the DTS Headphone:X surround tech adds a lot to the experience.
    — Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • So, if the audience doesn’t dismiss it on account of the language barrier (as in subtitles), then that would be great.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • This is a great time for these landscaping upgrades.
    — Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of great
Adjective
  • It is skillfully constructed and builds to a wonderful climax.
    — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2025
  • His leadership by example, his accomplishments on the field, his love of family, his service to our community and his dedication to excellence all herald his standing as a remarkable athlete and wonderful human being.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Some people can and do splash out tens of millions of dollars on a trophy home in a prime location.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The dim lighting, classic Sinatra-style big band music, and upscale vibe make this a prime date-night spot.
    — Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of prime
Adjective
  • Mary then hosted a lovely tea for all of us, which was equally impressive.
    — Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Sun and Moon looked lovely, had a wild story focused on alternate worlds and family drama, and some of the coolest Pokémon ever introduced in the series.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness
first-string
firth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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