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
If and when the Raptors clinch a playoff spot, there will be more sterling perimeter defenders waiting for Ingram than the Heat could throw at him.
—
Eric Koreen, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Add in the strong reception to Marty Supreme and his electric performance — sterling reviews, a slew of critics’ prizes and nine Oscar noms including for best picture, director, screenplay and, of course, actor — and a frontrunner was born.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026
The independent, nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which has a sterling decades-long record of election forecasting, said the most probable outcome is a wash.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Now in its 31st year, Crisis Group has developed a sterling reputation for early warning, insightful analysis, practical suggestions and discreet diplomacy.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Eric Koreen, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Add in the strong reception to Marty Supreme and his electric performance — sterling reviews, a slew of critics’ prizes and nine Oscar noms including for best picture, director, screenplay and, of course, actor — and a frontrunner was born.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026
The independent, nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which has a sterling decades-long record of election forecasting, said the most probable outcome is a wash.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Now in its 31st year, Crisis Group has developed a sterling reputation for early warning, insightful analysis, practical suggestions and discreet diplomacy.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
Adjective
-
Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Temporary wallpaper is also a superb way to add major personality to any room.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner Gobert kept giving Jokic a hard time in the paint with his long arms and superb anticipation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The stellar shortstop went 5-for-5 in two games this week to lead the Royals to the championship in Class 2A District 7 — the only district in the state with three teams ranked in the top six of their classification.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
The stellar collection includes some legacy vehicles but more newbies.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Quinn Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy are all terrific, world-class players.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
-
While Meryl Streep’s iconic Miranda Priestly got generations of praise for her comic precision and humanizing the boss from hell, Hathaway pulls off something terrific in tandem.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Otesaga Resort Hotel Cooperstown, New York If a pilgrimage to the National Baseball Hall of Fame is on your family vacation bucket list, combine your visit with a stay at The Otesaga Resort Hotel for a lovely lakeside getaway.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
Completing the triptych is the story of yet another student in 1972, the shy Hannes (Enzo Brumm), who hopes to study poetry but is soon taken with the lovely Gundula (Marlene Burow), who is researching the neural responses of the geranium on her windowsill.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Two-year-old Mala Audio Bar sets its cocktails to the crackle of vintage vinyl, while Konbini hides behind a grocery storefront, opening into a Colombian-Japanese speakeasy where disco and highballs collide amid a beautiful crowd.—
Allie Lazar,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
My father, a boy, sat in the back seat with his brothers and Choute—Duchess of Montmoreau, née de Troguindy, a beautiful and aristocratic woman who went by this single childhood nickname.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
