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
The French family firm has long offered a suite of exquisite items for the home, though, and this sterling-silver antique set from the 1930s is a perfect example.
—
Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2025
The Signature line of daily designs in sterling silver, 18-karat gold vermeil and semiprecious stones sits at the core of the catalogue, with price tags ranging from 90 euros to 450 euros.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025
The last time Ohtani took the mound was in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, turning in a sterling six innings, allowing two hits and striking out 10 batters.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
But its 2019 refresh solidified its spot by proving that relaxing a bit — while maintaining its sparkling service and elevated dishes — doesn't mean sacrificing a sterling reputation.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2025
The Signature line of daily designs in sterling silver, 18-karat gold vermeil and semiprecious stones sits at the core of the catalogue, with price tags ranging from 90 euros to 450 euros.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025
The last time Ohtani took the mound was in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, turning in a sterling six innings, allowing two hits and striking out 10 batters.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
But its 2019 refresh solidified its spot by proving that relaxing a bit — while maintaining its sparkling service and elevated dishes — doesn't mean sacrificing a sterling reputation.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
Adjective
-
The German is an excellent all-round forward who excels in bringing the best out of the teammates around him.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
While not every product in the brand’s SOS collection includes hypochlorous acid (an excellent anti-acneic ingredient), the serum does.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Among thrash metal’s Big Four, which includes Metallica, Megadeth Slayer, and Anthrax, Megadeth have always stood out for having superb instrumentalists throughout its career.—
Quentin Thane Singer,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
And somehow, all that wackiness has coalesced into a superb and consistently funny TV show, which made USA TODAY's list of the 10 best TV shows of 2025.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The New York Jets retained first-year coach Aaron Glenn, whose roster was less than stellar, but his coaching mishaps did not help.—
Gladys Louise Tyler,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Before exiting the Mavericks game, Kuminga had scored 10 points in nine minutes and made all three of his shot attempts and each of his four free throws, and was a stellar plus-18 in his short stint.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Special mention must be made of the in-room minibars, which are terrific, and so extensive that they are contained not within a single small fridge but an entire chest of drawers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Lenert made a terrific save on a solid strike by JSerra midfielder Carter Biondolillo, with Lenert diving to his left to make the crucial stop in the second half.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Her signature red curls were piled atop her head into an updo secured with a lovely headband.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
28 Jan. 2026
-
That insurance plays such a material role in shaping Simon’s dilemma is a lovely bit of mundanity.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Thank you all for a wonderful discussion.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The team Pep Guardiola built in the early 2010s, combining the wonderful passing of Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta with the twinkling magic of Lionel Messi, will forever be remembered.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There are plenty of great restaurants, but alongside them disappointments.—
Kate Krader,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Another 2022 study from Rutgers University, focused on COVID-19 news, found that greater daily exposure to news about the virus was linked to higher same-day and next-day worry about the pandemic as well as feelings of hopelessness and general worry.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Monticello is stunningly beautiful.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For those who aren’t aware of the background, Bertone is a legendary Italian auto design house famous for cars like the beautiful Alfa GTV (1963–77) and the bedroom-poster favorite, the Lamborghini Countach of 1974.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
