top-notch

adjective

ˈtäp-ˈnäch 

: of the highest quality : first-rate

a top-notch work

topnotcher

ˈtäp-ˈnä-chər 

noun

Synonyms of top-notch

• excellent
• superb
• wonderful
• terrific
• great
• awesome
• fantastic
• lovely
• fabulous
• beautiful
• stellar
• marvelous
• prime
• fine

Examples of top-notch in a Sentence

a top-notch violinist who had no trouble getting a position with the symphony

Recent Examples on the Web

The Apple Mac mini has long set the standard for what a top-notch tiny desktop PC should be. — Tom Brant, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026

Curry and Butler are both top-notch players capable of winning games by themselves, so why are they projected to fight for a play-in spot? — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

At this stage, DeRozan, who turned 37 earlier this month, isn’t exactly a top-notch defender. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

This exciting university city emanates a vibrant, youthful energy that’s reflected in its abundance of top-notch restaurants, cafés, and bars. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for top-notch

• hopscotch
• stopwatch
• wristwatch
• boche
• botch
• brough
• crotch
• gotch
• notch
• rotch
• scotch
• swatch

Kids Definition

top-notch

adjective

-ˈnäch

: of the highest quality : first-rate

a top-notch performance