as in excellent
of the very best kind
hoping to impress the new neighbors, she brought a top-shelf wine as a housewarming gift
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 top-shelf
While not tack-sharp like its GT4 sibling, the GTS features steering response that’s a top-shelf lesson in basic physics; low weight, low CG, and having all the weight centered between the axles makes for an authentically engaging experience.
—
Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Jump up the wage scale to the 90th percentile and California’s $123,500 wage at these top-shelf positions translates to 28% of pay going toward the state’s median house payment.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Scroll on to meet your new top-shelf MVPs.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
In a career spanning more than 70 years, Noguchi-san has never before created a top-shelf sake for another house.
—Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Jump up the wage scale to the 90th percentile and California’s $123,500 wage at these top-shelf positions translates to 28% of pay going toward the state’s median house payment.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Scroll on to meet your new top-shelf MVPs.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
In a career spanning more than 70 years, Noguchi-san has never before created a top-shelf sake for another house.
—Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top-shelf
Adjective
-
And for mornings, Butchertown Grocery Bakery anchors the day with excellent pastries, especially the flaky biscuits, and local coffee—no reinvention necessary.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Once again, marble and soapstone, cited above, are excellent alternatives that will stand the test of time despite constant wear and tear.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Dave Archer was there for the entirety of Matt Ryan’s Falcons career, serving as the superb analyst on team radio broadcasts and sharing countless conversations over the course of Ryan’s 14-year career in Atlanta.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
While imposing from the outside, their magnificent jewel-box innards are worth a browse—a superb, rather opulent retreat from the midday sun.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 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
-
This has been a wonderful season.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Keep reading to discover all of the wonderful possibilities this tiny home unlocks, for just $9,800.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Boston College’s Grace Campbell (32 saves) was stellar as well, allowing just McGathey’s goal in the first period before a 14-save second carried a 1-1 tie into the third.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Combining stellar service with deep product and brand knowledge, while selling rare and hard-to-find brands from around the world.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The country's greatest resource is not oil beneath the ground, but people--inside and outside the country--who still care deeply about its future.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Although a recent visit to Palo Alto’s Taverna was lackluster except for the awesome outdoor décor and cute waiters, its sister ship in Portola Valley is absolutely lovely, and the food more in line with expectation.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The first stop on this retrospective journey is the Cold War, a time marked by scientific breakthroughs that were both awesome and terrifying.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The resulting casserole comes out tender and saucy, with a light creaminess, lovely aroma and a savory richness.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Originally built as a carriage road during the 1880s, the long and winding road takes you from downtown Hot Springs (just off Central Avenue at the end of Fountain Street) to a lovely picnic area and overlook featuring a historic pagoda that dates back to the early 1900s.—
Alex Schechter,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top-shelf. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
