sterling

adjective

Definition of sterlingnext
as in excellent
of the very best kind credited the win to the pitcher's sterling performance on the mound

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sterling That is evident too in his relationship with his brother, Weldon (Paul Rudd), a sterling example of a great uncle to Rose, a warm influence despite friction with Wesley. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 June 2026 Non-sterling objects produce a dull thud. — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 Artists aren’t exactly famous for their sterling moral character. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Our own reporting has shown that Irizarry’s professional reputation among his peers in the Bay Area assessor community is sterling. — Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. stellar
  4. terrific
  5. lovely
  6. wonderful
  7. great
  8. beautiful
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • For a vibrant alfresco experience, COYA City's courtyard provides lighter Peruvian dishes, ceviches, and superb cocktails, perfect for summer lunches.
    — Lela London, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The robot did a superb job of cleaning the floors, walls, and surface of my 16-by-32-foot in-ground pool.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The college game is stellar and the pro iteration might be even better.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The show is not yet as fine-tuned as its predecessor; some dialogue could use less theatrical melodrama and characterizations could be tightened, but staging is stellar.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • Spiridakos is terrific as the no-nonsense ranger who refuses to let herself be crushed by her past or present.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For 12 terrific seasons now, the New England Revolution has celebrated their partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the incredible impact of the Rev's Unified Team.
    — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • The backstory First inaugurated in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle at the turn of the century, this property is charismatically old at a lovely 125.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There are orange and ube lattes, that sea-salt cheese latte that only comes iced and soft serve with coffee – a drippy, lovely affogato.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • If cultural norms do shape footballing identities, that gap may help explain why the Spanish game has historically placed a greater premium on collective structures than some of its European neighbours.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • His greatest series let people see a character who has revealed the filthiest, most shameful parts of themselves, and imagine them as a mirror.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The trumpets required skilled metal workers capable of making both a beautiful and working musical instrument.
    — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In a city filled with incredible architecture and spellbinding heritage buildings, the Ortaköy Mosque is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of beautiful

Browse Nearby Words

sterilizing
sterling
sterlingness
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Cite this Entry

“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sterling

Nglish: Translation of sterling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sterling

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