as in excellent
of the very best kind
credited the win to the pitcher's sterling performance on the mound
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Recent Examples of sterling
Too often in this job, we are treated to wonderfully fresh, funny, heartfelt films and then have to, well, just sort of sit on our sterling recommendations until they are released to mass audiences.
—
Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2026
Add in the strong reception to Marty Supreme and his electric performance — sterling reviews, a slew of critics’ prizes and nine Oscar noms including for best picture, director, screenplay and, of course, actor — and a frontrunner was born.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026
The independent, nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which has a sterling decades-long record of election forecasting, said the most probable outcome is a wash.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Now in its 31st year, Crisis Group has developed a sterling reputation for early warning, insightful analysis, practical suggestions and discreet diplomacy.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2026
Add in the strong reception to Marty Supreme and his electric performance — sterling reviews, a slew of critics’ prizes and nine Oscar noms including for best picture, director, screenplay and, of course, actor — and a frontrunner was born.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026
The independent, nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which has a sterling decades-long record of election forecasting, said the most probable outcome is a wash.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Now in its 31st year, Crisis Group has developed a sterling reputation for early warning, insightful analysis, practical suggestions and discreet diplomacy.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
Adjective
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This premise, bolstered by excellent performances all around, could easily have sustained a totally enjoyable TV show.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Both strikers demand attention from defenders but are excellent off-the-ball runners too.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That dynamic reflected what’s become the new world order for the Chiefs, whose superb 2022 draft class was highlighted by McDuffie.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
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The superb dry martini includes a splash of chamomile while La Violetera pays homage to Madrid’s traditional violet candies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Amazon’s sale section is bursting with stellar deals this weekend — and these budget-friendly picks are no exception.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
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Nick Penicaud was stellar for the Red and Black (7-2), too, going all six innings with three hits, one walk and five strikeouts.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Arttu Hyry has been terrific since entering the lineup for Game 2, but his third line hasn’t found the back of the net.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Wheatley has terrific size for the safety position, as he is listed at 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds.—
Mike Kaye
April 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ahead, my step-by-step guide to recreate a lovely lunch that will help your bond grow even deeper.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
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Later on, the sights of Camden Market and Gasholder Park promise a lovely balance between the buzz and tranquillity of London.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Although Duchossois’ acquisition of Arlington Park in 1983 and his ownership of the luxurious track overshadowed his achievements as a breeder, his beautiful Hill ‘N Dale Farm near Barrington was a model breeding farm, as impressive as any of those in Kentucky.—
Neil Milbert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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To some extent, the cool commercial logic of the fashion industry—which transforms beautiful, original works into cheaply reproducible goods, season after season—echoes that of Hollywood, which regularly cannibalizes and, yes, franchises its greatest successes.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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