star player

Best on squad

A star player is the standout performer on a team—the one who consistently delivers exceptional results and often receives the most attention.

The term applies primarily to sports but extends to any collaborative context: She's the star player on our sales team.

Unlike a role player who fills a specific niche, the star player is expected to carry the team and perform in crucial moments.

Opposites
skill and talent level

star playerscrub

Clean by rubbing hard

bust · liability · weak link · washout · hack

role and playing time

star playerbenchwarmer

Seldom-used team member

bench player · reserve · substitute · backup · third-stringer

status and recognition

star playernobody

Inconsequential person

journeyman · has-been · never-was

Family

star, player, stars, starred, starring, starry, stardom, starlet, starlight

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G