First-rate

ACE3 lettersrecorded 4 times for this clue

The New York Times, Sunday, 28 March 1999, set by Cathy Allis Millhauser — "Railroad Crossings".

Also in 3 further puzzles in The New York Times, 1994–1998.

AONE4 lettersrecorded 4 times for this clue

The New York Times, Monday, 12 September 2005, set by Michael Shteyman.

Also in 3 further puzzles in The New York Times, 1998–2005.

TOPS4 lettersrecorded 4 times for this clue

The New York Times, Sunday, 4 March 2001, set by Cathy Allis Millhauser — TONGUE TWISHTERS.

Also in 3 further puzzles in The New York Times, 1994–1999.

TIPTOP6 lettersrecorded 3 times for this clue

The New York Times, Tuesday, 26 January 2010, set by Paula Gamache.

Also in 2 further puzzles in The New York Times, 1998–2003.

ACES4 lettersrecorded 2 times for this clue

The New York Times, Sunday, 1 January 2006, set by Joe DiPietro — AD REPS.

Also in 1 further puzzle in The New York Times, 1996.

CRACK5 lettersrecorded 2 times for this clue

The New York Times, Wednesday, 18 March 2009, set by Robert A. Doll.

Also in 1 further puzzle in The New York Times, 1995.

NEAT4 lettersrecorded once for this clue

The New York Times, Saturday, 8 March 1997, set by Rich Norris.

TOP3 lettersrecorded once for this clue

The New York Times, Tuesday, 3 April 2001, set by Nancy Salomon and Sherry O. Blackard.

ELECT5 lettersrecorded once for this clue

The New York Times, Friday, 7 July 1995, set by Wayne Robert Williams.

GREAT5 lettersrecorded once for this clue

The New York Times, Thursday, 14 November 1996, set by Nancy Scandrett Ross.

PRIMO5 lettersrecorded once for this clue

The New York Times, Wednesday, 6 June 2007, set by Richard Silvestri.

STELLAR7 lettersrecorded once for this clue

The New York Times, Sunday, 6 December 1998, set by Marjorie Richter — "Condensed Books".