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 Nolan’s successful ride with The Odyssey includes sterling reviews, as its 95 percent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes is currently the best tally of his career, just ahead of The Dark Knight and Memento at 94 percent. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 The sterling silver platter also features mythological engravings on its surface, and is awarded annually to the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles champion. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 July 2026 That is evident too in his relationship with his brother, Weldon (Paul Rudd), a sterling example of a great uncle to Rose, a warm influence despite friction with Wesley. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 June 2026 Non-sterling objects produce a dull thud. — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. stellar
  4. terrific
  5. wonderful
  6. lovely
  7. great
  8. beautiful
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • MacDonald makes superb use of the story’s Manchester backdrop.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, this is fundamentally a showcase for Bailey, a superb young actress already capable of formidable emotional depth and yet never showy.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The Cubs slugged a franchise record nine home runs in a 17-3 blowout win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field, putting an exclamation point on a stellar month of power production.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The new study was an effort to understand the role that the host galaxy — rather than the dark matter clumps within it — plays in shaping stellar streams.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The cabin interiors are built from a lovely blonde wood, which was aesthetically pleasing, if a little creaky at times, while the white linens on the comfortable queen bed were a subtle reminder that this is a luxury accommodation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • McGraw gave a lovely tribute to Parton via social media this week.
    — David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Arguably, the most beautiful version of this trend right now is the love-layers cut.
    — Lucy Binder, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The meltwater pouring off Bråsvellbreen like waterfalls, though breathtakingly beautiful, was another sobering reminder of the consequences of global warming.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sterling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sterling

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