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
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina.
—
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
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
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For the priests, this was a case of demonic possession due to witch-craft, and Mary’s crabby, aloof neighbor Elizabeth Jackson was the prime witch suspect.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Guests at the dinner received the first part of their meal — a spring pea & burrata salad — but the prime chateaubriand steak and Maine lobster was not served.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Arttu Hyry has been terrific since entering the lineup for Game 2, but his third line hasn’t found the back of the net.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Wheatley has terrific size for the safety position, as he is listed at 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds.—
Mike Kaye
April 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Amazon’s sale section is bursting with stellar deals this weekend — and these budget-friendly picks are no exception.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Nick Penicaud was stellar for the Red and Black (7-2), too, going all six innings with three hits, one walk and five strikeouts.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That dynamic reflected what’s become the new world order for the Chiefs, whose superb 2022 draft class was highlighted by McDuffie.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The superb dry martini includes a splash of chamomile while La Violetera pays homage to Madrid’s traditional violet candies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ahead, my step-by-step guide to recreate a lovely lunch that will help your bond grow even deeper.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
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Later on, the sights of Camden Market and Gasholder Park promise a lovely balance between the buzz and tranquillity of London.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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