First-string and Second-rate

First-string

First-string adjective - Of the very best kind.
Usage example: a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Second-rate is an antonym for first-string in excellent topic.

Second-rate

Second-rate adjective - Of average to below average quality.

First-string is an antonym for second-rate.
Cite this Source
Second-rate and First-string. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/first-string/second-rate
First-string & Second-rate. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/first-string/second-rate>.
Second-rate or First-string. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/first-string/second-rate.