The term third string refers to a person or thing that is of the lowest rank or importance, often used in sports to describe a player who is not a regular starter. Antonyms for third string include top-tier, elite, first-class, top-notch, or prime. These words indicate that someone or something is of superior quality or ability. Other antonyms for third string include primary, essential, mainstay, or crucial, which refer to something that is indispensable or irreplaceable. Third string can also mean obsolete, so antonyms include contemporary, modern, or up-to-date, indicating something that is more current and relevant.