First-rate

Latest answer — September 02, 2026

14 Across

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Clue explained

TOPS means excellent or first-rate, as in “That performance was tops.” The answer is an adjective used informally as a superlative.

Clue type:
Definition
A winner celebrating with a first-place trophy

Thomas Joseph Crossword

This clue's Wednesday, September 02, 2026 appearance

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Across

  1. 1Some bow ties
  2. 6Diver Louganis
  3. 10Bit of silly behavior
  4. 11Dagger part
  5. 12Artery insert
  6. 13Skiers’ hangout
  7. 14First-rate
  8. 15July birthstones
  9. 16Conclude
  10. 17Team supporter
  11. 18Shelley work
  12. 19April birthstones
  13. 22Smell
  14. 23Fencing sword
  15. 26May birthstones
  16. 29Band blaster
  17. 32Fleet letters
  18. 33Gloss target
  19. 34June birthstones
  20. 36Existence
  21. 37Puzzled
  22. 38Easy basket
  23. 39Valentine’s gift
  24. 40Moved carefully
  25. 41-- the line (obeyed)
  26. 42Attire

Down

  1. 1Stuck, in a way
  2. 2Shakespeare’s merchant
  3. 3Mom’s new hubby
  4. 4Metal containers
  5. 5Do something
  6. 6Dollop
  7. 7Ham’s need
  8. 8Trimmed
  9. 9Gaggle group
  10. 11Goofs
  11. 15Sought a seat
  12. 17Fixed methods
  13. 20“The Simpsons” bartender
  14. 21Hotel amenity
  15. 24Squashed circle
  16. 25Enlightens
  17. 27Twisty turn
  18. 28Shells out
  19. 29Segregated
  20. 30Copycat’s cry
  21. 31Out of fashion
  22. 35Oboe part
  23. 36Deceitful sort
  24. 38TV’s Danson

The answer to “First-rate” in the Thomas Joseph crossword is TOPS — a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the Thomas Joseph crossword on September 2, 2026, a Wednesday puzzle, at 14-Across. Other answers we've seen for this clue include PRIME. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

“First-rate” answer

TOPS (4 letters) — most recent; also seen as PRIME

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is TOPS.

What does TOPS mean?

Reading the plain dictionary sense of TOPS is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.

(verb)

  • exceed (an amount, level, or number); be more than
  • provide with a top or topping
  • reach the top of (a hill or other elevation)

Other answers for “First-rate”

Thomas Joseph has used this clue with more than one solution. Besides TOPS, it has also been PRIME. Every appearance we've indexed is listed below with the date it ran.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “First-rate”?

The answer is TOPS, a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the Thomas Joseph crossword on September 2, 2026. Other answers for this clue include PRIME.

How many letters is the answer to “First-rate”?

4 letters: TOPS. Earlier fills for this clue have also been PRIME (5).

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the Thomas Joseph crossword on September 2, 2026 (a Wednesday puzzle), at 14-Across. Earlier appearances: September 1, 2026 → PRIME.

Can “First-rate” have a different answer?

Yes. Besides TOPS, Thomas Joseph has also used PRIME for this clue. Every date and answer is listed above.

Where can I find the rest of this day's Thomas Joseph answers?

The full grid for September 2, 2026 is on the Thomas Joseph answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

Thomas Joseph Crossword is published by King Features Syndicate; WordHint is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher.

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