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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 Nolan’s successful ride with The Odyssey includes sterling reviews, as its 95 percent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes is currently the best tally of his career, just ahead of The Dark Knight and Memento at 94 percent. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 The sterling silver platter also features mythological engravings on its surface, and is awarded annually to the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles champion. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. stellar
  4. terrific
  5. wonderful
  6. lovely
  7. great
  8. beautiful
Adjective
  • An individual company can maintain excellent controls and favorable claims experience while still facing higher pricing because the market has deteriorated around it.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Typically, Mora will pick up the ball in the left channel and run at a defender, before slowing to a jog, then use his superb balance to burst past his flat-footed opponent on either side, like in this example against Fiorentina last month.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Cam Schlitter gave up one run and two hits in eight superb innings, and the New York Yankees scored five two-out runs in the 10th in a series-clinching, 6-3 victory over the Angels on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • His minor-league numbers weren’t stellar, but some of that can be blamed on the Pacific Coast League.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Cunningham, who North Crowley head coach DeMarcus Harris credited for having stellar football IQ and being a film junkie, has three interceptions through two weeks.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • The front three of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro already looks terrific, while Maxence Lacroix is an extremely solid defensive addition and Emi Martinez is an upgrade on Robert Sanchez in goal.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Buddy expands to 1,771 screens after a terrific opening last weekend.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Food and drink Another lovely perk is your choice of breakfast from the à la carte menu at The Barn, the hotel’s more casual restaurant.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Sandy is very, very funny and smart, and Nic was just lovely.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.
    — Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The nicest of the quartet, Springfield features a large clubhouse, a beautiful practice area with an oversized putting green and a challenging 6,906-yard course that is hilly, woody and will ask you to hit lots of precise shots.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Forests that avoid the worst fire and drought impacts should still offer beautiful color, but the viewing window may be shorter.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sterling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sterling

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