top-shelf

adjective

ˈtäp-ˈshelf How to pronounce top-shelf (audio)
Definition of top-shelfnext
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

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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 top-shelf Midnight margaritas’ subtle sweetness and nutty flavor balance the bright lime juice and tequila, creating a drink reminiscent of a classic top-shelf margarita with a tropical twist. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026 This has your typical upscale open-concept kitchen (lots of storage space, top-shelf appliances, and marble countertops), and the adjacent dining nook leads out to a private balcony. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026 The cherry on top could be awards attention not only for the film, but for a top-shelf cast that includes Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 That would include an infusion of top-shelf talent via the portal that includes receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn) and running backs Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State). — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top-shelf
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. terrific
  4. wonderful
  5. great
  6. stellar
  7. awesome
  8. lovely
Adjective
  • Williams aims to help build a county government that works for everyday people by lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Nikko Remigio’s reputation as a return man isn’t splashy plays, but rather excellent ball security.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • The 5-foot-10, 165-pound wide receiver also has a superb sense of timing.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • These four superb films approach that reality from very different vantage points.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • He’s thrived while finally given a full workload for the first time, showing terrific vision and explosion as a receiver and runner.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Some of those who contributed to it brought it to Knott’s Berry Farm, where it has been fine-tuned into the terrific Ghost Town Alive!
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.
    — Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • But this is in fact the opportunity hiding inside the greatest technological acceleration of our lifetimes.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This scandal comes as an appalling blow to the BND, and Germany as a whole, at a time of great danger.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The Sierra Canyon High alumnus sank three three-pointers in a stellar debut for his hometown team.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The researchers found that the colors of white dwarfs would fit into distinct groups tied to the individual chemical makeup of the stellar remnant's atmosphere.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • With all of the breaks in action and the partnerships, live betting provides you with awesome opportunities to place in-game wagers.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Life is a combination of spending time with the difficult ones, the indifferent ones and the awesome ones among them.
    — Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of awesome
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences The alfresco pool is lovely, but ongoing construction in the area at the moment is a bit of an eyesore.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe the two can take the nips out on a lovely date to the Wicker 4DX screenings later this month.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

top secret
top-shelf
topsoil
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Cite this Entry

“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top-shelf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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