Filed from 2 published puzzles

STERLING

Set to 2 different clues across 2 published puzzles, most often “First-rate” — The New York Times, Thursday, 3 July 2008.

8 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

First-rateonce
The New York Times — Thursday, 3 July 2008
Unblemishedonce
The New York Times — Sunday, 3 February 2008

Other answers to these clues

ACE3 letters
ACES4 letters
AONE4 letters
CHOICE6 letters
CLASSA6 letters
CRACK5 letters
ELECT5 letters
GREAT5 letters
NEAT4 letters
PRIMO5 letters
STELLAR7 letters
TIPTOP6 letters