as in excellent
of the very best kind
hoping to impress the new neighbors, she brought a top-shelf wine as a housewarming gift
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of top-shelf
Plus on Tuesdays, burgers are buy-one-get-one-free, and on Wednesdays, top-shelf whiskey is 50% off.
—
Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Wisconsin was already on the stronger end of the bubble, buoyed by the victory at Michigan, and backing that one up with another top-shelf Big Ten road triumph was enough to nudge the Badgers up a category.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Most alcohol is included, so bars like Crystal Cove off the Atrium, the Starlight Club cabaret, pub-style Avenue Saloon, Connoisseur Club cigar bar, and Luxe Night Club are also included, unless guests want top-shelf wines or liquors, which are also available.
—Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
The chef’s unexpected choice of this top-shelf martini hints at Siren’s biggest surprise.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Wisconsin was already on the stronger end of the bubble, buoyed by the victory at Michigan, and backing that one up with another top-shelf Big Ten road triumph was enough to nudge the Badgers up a category.
—Jim Root, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Most alcohol is included, so bars like Crystal Cove off the Atrium, the Starlight Club cabaret, pub-style Avenue Saloon, Connoisseur Club cigar bar, and Luxe Night Club are also included, unless guests want top-shelf wines or liquors, which are also available.
—Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
The chef’s unexpected choice of this top-shelf martini hints at Siren’s biggest surprise.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top-shelf
Adjective
-
The large cast of smaller roles and chorus is excellent.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Evans Scholars must have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In this case and elsewhere, Rakoff has shown a superb grasp of technology issues.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Underscoring the wellness aspects of a stay here are other amenities, like the rooftop pool, the state-of-the-art gym, and a superb spa, which includes a hammam and sauna along with a dedicated space for wellness as a ritual.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The orthodox Jewish school Shalhevet enjoyed a terrific season even though their longtime coach, Ryan Coleman, left for Milken.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The Trojans peaked at the right time and are living large behind a terrific defense and an efficient-enough offense.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s why their new album, wonderful, leaves me a little cold.—
Mano Sundaresan,
Pitchfork,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Varley’s elevation this season is a wonderful turn for Ashbourne, an icon of British film, TV, and theater who has long been one of Bridgerton’s most consistently comedic presences.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Malibu oceanfront corner one-bedroom suites are standouts for their floor-to-ceiling windows and posh dining areas with stellar views of the beach and the nearby pier that lights up the night sky with its kaleidoscopic Ferris wheel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
There’s not a moment in this movie that isn’t full of mood-boosting charm, from the stellar soundtrack to the era-perfect hairdos.—
Rachel Simon,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
However, how many of them actually come to be inhabited remains a great unknown, with deeper questions — like how many of them turn into technologically advanced civilizations — requiring us to estimate further unknowns atop them.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Lewis, 64, is considered by many one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s what makes fandom so awesome.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The people of Florida are awesome.—
March 8,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a really lovely thing, because actually essentially the craft becomes a vehicle for people then having other health promoting behaviors like engaging with others.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Make the most of juicy spring strawberries with this light and lovely salad.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top-shelf. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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