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
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Segovia produced a superb spin before firing into the far corner.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Nuñez’s stellar play at shortstop could offer more value to the team in each of the next two seasons.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • Lucasfilm hasn’t had a terrific year with its first film in theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Chisholm was shaken up after trying to field Dominic Canzone's infield single in the ninth, but the second baseman remained in the game and followed with a terrific defensive play.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • My lovely therapist even gave me a map of the feet at the end to help me decipher where best to apply pressure at home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This formula that not only acts as a deodorant, but imparts a lovely fragrance (and that's particularly appealing in the dead of summer).
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Ryan Eckley did great holding — good job stepping in on our operation, which was awesome.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Scott made it to her feet and was allowed to continue, which wasn't the greatest decision by the referee.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The beautiful, heirloom quality cookware is a quintessential gift or kitchen upgrade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Nashville then moved two goals clear in the 56th minute when Cristian Espinoza sent a pass across toward the near post and Surridge converted nonchalantly with a beautiful heel flick.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of beautiful

Browse Nearby Words

sterilizing
sterling
sterlingness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 20 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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