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 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 Rosenqvist took home the sterling silver Borg Warner trophy, which features sculpted likenesses of past winners. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026 The Flatrock also grants tight temperature control between zones and sterling wind shielding on top and under the burners. — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 15 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
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Those programs collectively play superb baseball, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to draft calls.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • La Roja did a superb job limiting the touches of world-class striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Spanish midfield being the unsung heroes of the first half.
    — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Molecular clouds can also be stellar nurseries, incubating new stars and planets in their depths.
    — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 13 July 2026
  • In Nolan’s film—which features a stellar cast, including Holland’s wife Zendaya as the goddess Athena—Holland also stars.
    — Alessia Ferri, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • The largest, the Koda Suite (named for Leo’s dog), which was once occupied by the Daunt family, is a terrific family option, with two rooms, two bathrooms, tons of space, and its own private pool entrance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved seating and lovely lighting even more.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • That’s a lovely, melancholy sentiment Star City uses to deliver a season-best episode full of character moments that feel properly FAM.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    — Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • There are good footballers, there are great footballers and then there is Messi, who plays as if he has been sent here from another dimension, a superior life form inside the 5ft 7in frame of a normal guy from Rosario, Argentina.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Healthcare's greatest crisis isn't financial or technological.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Here was a team that played a beautiful, dominant style of soccer that enthralled the world and stymied opponents on its way to the World Cup final.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • This landmark resort is something of a Bajan institution, with elegant interiors and an awesomely beautiful setting that ensures it is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in the Caribbean.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 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 20 Jul. 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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