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 neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 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
  • But what’s often lost about those Riley teams is that Oklahoma also had a stellar rushing attack, one that had to be accounted for at all times, and, in turn, made the passing attack all the more explosive.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To top it off, quite literally, the salon features a Rolls-Royce-style starlight ceiling, putting a stellar scene above you by night.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • After a terrific collegiate career, Stanek was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick in the 1st round of the 2113 MLB draft.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The ancho chili Caesar salad is a terrific appetizer to share, as are both types of shrimp aguachile verde.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • One of the loveliest times of day is in the morning when sun streams through the windows that look out onto the street.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By this lovely account, Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium’s demolition was a dignified affair.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The other great piece of news is that, yes, this will get a localized release with multiple language support, something that the original PlayStation Portable version never had.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Headed somewhere with beautiful (albeit hilly) cobblestoned streets?
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying and absolutely funny.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 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 4 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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