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 Our own reporting has shown that Irizarry’s professional reputation among his peers in the Bay Area assessor community is sterling. — Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 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 Alphabet, having priced that sterling century bond as part of a roughly $20 billion borrowing run across several currencies, has guided that its own capital spending could reach $175 billion to $185 billion this year alone. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Beth and Rip’s primary antagonist in tending to their herd of Black Angus steer with, we’re repeatedly told, sterling genetics is one Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening). — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
  1. excellent
  2. superb
  3. stellar
  4. terrific
  5. lovely
  6. wonderful
  7. great
  8. beautiful
Adjective
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • After multiple close calls, Ivory Coast tied the match in the 74th minute with a superb run by Amad Diallo.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
  • These popular plants are superb, long-lasting garden ornaments.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 27 June 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Roman will scour the very heart of the Milky Way where stars are tightly packed together, hunting microlensing events which should be common in such a dense stellar region.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 July 2026
  • An influx of competitors also add to the vehicle’s current not-so-stellar reputation.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
Definition of stellar
Adjective
  • Conwell played off the ball a lot but showed a nifty handle when given the chance, delivering a terrific pass in transition for a Jahmir Young score and swerving past a defender on a neat move to the basket before missing a shot at the rim.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • He has been blessed with terrific talent but clearly has melded that talent to win games and keep the clubhouse on the same page.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • All in all, launching the book has been an exhausting and lovely gift of an experience.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of lovely
Adjective
  • The animals, the cool weather and the wonderful people of this region made for a memorable trip.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Bat boxes are a wonderful addition to your yard for attracting bats and giving them a safe place to live.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • William's sixth-great-grandfather was born in Coventry in 1740 and enlisted as a private in the Connecticut militia.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Leave some messiness in your garden and leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great habitat for fireflies.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Their French 75, which is made with cognac, lemon and muscadet, is a perfect example thanks to a beautiful balance of elegance and ingenuity.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • At the rear of the second floor is the primary suite, which has a large walk-in closet and another beautiful bathroom featuring a six-foot soaking tub with a custom glass surround.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sterling

Nglish: Translation of sterling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sterling

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