as in excellent
of the very best kind
credited the win to the pitcher's sterling performance on the mound
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 sterling
While sterling silver julep cups are classic, highball glassware is a great alternative to show off this pretty cocktail.
—
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
The sterling silver and gold vermeil versions use cubic zirconia, while the 14-karat gold one is made with genuine diamonds.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
If and when the Raptors clinch a playoff spot, there will be more sterling perimeter defenders waiting for Ingram than the Heat could throw at him.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Add in the strong reception to Marty Supreme and his electric performance — sterling reviews, a slew of critics’ prizes and nine Oscar noms including for best picture, director, screenplay and, of course, actor — and a frontrunner was born.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
The sterling silver and gold vermeil versions use cubic zirconia, while the 14-karat gold one is made with genuine diamonds.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
If and when the Raptors clinch a playoff spot, there will be more sterling perimeter defenders waiting for Ingram than the Heat could throw at him.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Add in the strong reception to Marty Supreme and his electric performance — sterling reviews, a slew of critics’ prizes and nine Oscar noms including for best picture, director, screenplay and, of course, actor — and a frontrunner was born.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sterling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sterling
Adjective
-
Seb Stafford-Bloor’s excellent Transfer Tiers series is moving on to central defenders today.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
The right-shot defenseman has had an excellent tournament for Finland, who advanced to the semifinals with a win over Czechia.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Wilson has had his most productive Premier League season by some distance, scoring 10 goals – compared to 12 across three previous top-flight campaigns with Fulham combined — and some of them have been superb, too.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
These red carpet-worthy pieces include dramatically draping diamond necklaces, icy diamond and ruby bracelets, superb emerald and diamond jewels and celestial sapphire and diamond rings.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
This has not been a stellar season for Newcastle, and, relative to the momentous collective achievements of his first full season as captain, Guimaraes and his side have not scaled the same heights.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
And the photos in that X post are pretty stellar, too.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Detroit lost for the 21st time in 25 games despite a terrific start by Keider Montero, who allowed just two hits in six shutout innings.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
-
Crucially, this Bond is terrific, not tiresome.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Our lovely guide Sherelyn took us out to one of her favorite spots, a little backyard tasting room run by winemaker Simon Groves, who runs labels Groves and Filly with his wife, Amanda Ritchie, as well as the Foley family's Runholder.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
-
Nymph is soft and sweet and hot and pungent and textured and strange and lovely.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Monroe’s image-making Monroe always had greater agency over her still images than her moving images, which were largely determined by the film studios and directors.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
-
In performance and direction, and in the small ways in which Caswell and Wills have plotted out this isolated love story, there’s a level of great richness and detail.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
There’s even a kids play room on the ground floor with a beautiful, handmade rocking horse and a big toy kitchen.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
-
The brand channels its Ukrainian roots with beautiful embroidery on traditional silhouettes, then easily shifts into contemporary minimalism with an edge that never abandons its cultural and aesthetic roots.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sterling. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
