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 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 Rosenqvist took home the sterling silver Borg Warner trophy, which features sculpted likenesses of past winners. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 26 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
  • The roofline leaves enough headroom for actual adults, the cargo area is genuinely useful, and visibility remains excellent.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
  • City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago State University and National Louis University, among others, have built their reputations on the premise that everyone deserves access to an excellent education.
    — Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • France were knocked out in the semis but Mbappe had a stellar few weeks, becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer and cementing his status as one of the game’s greats.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Parker is a sports reporter for a major sports publication who has built a stellar reputation through hard work and an undeniable passion for the game.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 July 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • McKinney missed eight games in 2022 after an ATV accident in Cabo during the team's bye week, then rebounded with a terrific 2023 season.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The base configuration is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor that’s terrific for 3D renders, heavy multitasking, and—of course—pushing refresh rates forward in your heavy-duty gaming.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • This is an easy-drinking, refreshing wine with lovely fruit and some tannins to give it structure.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Just like lily of the valley, Canada mayflower has low-growing foliage and lovely white flowers.
    — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • And this World Cup was about Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and all of Spain’s wonderful passers.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • To be in, like, the very first episode to the last, a show that is now being spun off to other stories, that is so wonderful.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Important settlements have existed here since the Roman times, when it was described by the writer Ausonius as one of Gaul’s great educational centers.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Getty Images Errol Spence had a great career, but at 36 years old and after three years out of the ring, the former world champion has hit his ceiling in boxing.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 26 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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