as in excellent
of the very best kind
credited the win to the pitcher's sterling performance on the mound
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Plus, a sterling silver band is super easy to polish with a cloth.
—
Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Chalabi arrived at regime change with sterling credentials—at least on paper.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Notably, Mars has never scored a #1 album debut—a surprising gap in his otherwise sterling chart résumé.
—Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Time will tell, but their offseason is off to a sterling start.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Chalabi arrived at regime change with sterling credentials—at least on paper.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Notably, Mars has never scored a #1 album debut—a surprising gap in his otherwise sterling chart résumé.
—Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Time will tell, but their offseason is off to a sterling start.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
Adjective
-
Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.—
Anyssa Roberts,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a tension, too, between the observant realism of Layton’s style and the derivativeness of the plotting, though the three leads, all superb, smooth it over with considerable skill.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Some offer sweeping waterfront views, others cozy corners made for lingering conversations, but all pair superb food with intimate ambiance.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The two supermassive black holes in the centers of each galaxy fall into orbit together and, like their stellar-mass cousins, can eventually spiral in and combine (though the details of this are a bit complex).—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Toyota's move to produce an electric midsize SUV is a risk the company can afford since it's bolstered by stellar sales numbers from its most popular models.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rose is a terrific story told with confidence and brisk pacing, but also a great vehicle for the astonishing Hüller.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Early in the second period, Franzreb made two terrific saves, the first one a glove stab on a Dylan Larkin shorthanded bid and the second on an Eichel breakaway, who had just stepped out the box.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The outdoor pool is just as lovely too.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
From the lovely greens to the steeper blues and blacks, Pleasant Mountain delivers.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Thankfully, the wonderful leaders of our great state of Florida have corrected this problem.—
Krys Fluker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit, before the crowds descend for the summer months.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Suites with interconnecting doors across the balcony are a great choice for larger families, and most regular activities include child-friendly options, like the beginner’s surfing classes in calmer waves or toddler bikes for cycling along the nature reserve.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There is a fantastic Lam retrospective at the Modern Museum of Art, but Scott had the idea months before and went to great lengths to convince Lam’s estate to collaborate.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Her elegant collaboration was a reminder that the world has long created the kinds of crises that threaten our stability today, and a good artist finds a way to make work that shows us a way through it, even if the answer is as simple as making something beautiful.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Prepare for the muse to arrive in strange and beautiful ways during Pisces season.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
