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
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 top-shelf
The business’ owner told police that change from all three cash register drawers had been stolen, as well as a bottle of top-shelf whiskey.
—
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 June 2026
This is home, complete with a showstopping entrance and top-shelf performances to back it.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 2026
Check out our favorite finds below, including a cleaning kit that helps prevent dryer fires, a folding grabber tool for reaching top-shelf items, and a funnel set for all your decanting needs—with some products marked down by up to 43%.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
The creators’ fund is designed to provide top-shelf AI tools and funding to creators from a range of styles and backgrounds.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 June 2026
This is home, complete with a showstopping entrance and top-shelf performances to back it.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 2026
Check out our favorite finds below, including a cleaning kit that helps prevent dryer fires, a folding grabber tool for reaching top-shelf items, and a funnel set for all your decanting needs—with some products marked down by up to 43%.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
The creators’ fund is designed to provide top-shelf AI tools and funding to creators from a range of styles and backgrounds.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top-shelf
Adjective
-
This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Australia began their campaign with a superb 2-0 win over Türkiye, sitting deep and springing on the counter to devastating effect to give themselves a great chance of reaching the knockout stages.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
-
The namesake suite is one of the largest in central Rome at more than 2,045 square feet, with superb views over the nearby piazza.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
That’s thanks to the show’s terrific cast, of course, but the actors are given a lot to work with in the smart, snappy scripts.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
21 June 2026
-
Cody Bellinger is quietly having a terrific season for the Yankees.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
So many wonderful dinners with friends and nights out on the town.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
-
Soccer – football in much of the world – has a long and wonderful tradition of singing, whether that be in praise of their favorite players, mocking opponents (sometimes, brutally so) or simply urging their team forward.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
Even with a stellar starting rotation and a lineup of superstar hitters, a World Series can be lost if the Dodgers remain liable to cough up leads in the final innings.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The United States is back in action Friday at the World Cup against Australia, exactly one week after a stellar performance in its opener that sent expectations for the squad soaring.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sneakers are always calling my name (a great travel companion).—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
24 June 2026
-
Having spent more than 30 years in the makeup industry, founder and makeup artist Jung Saem Mool knows great makeup starts long before foundation enters the picture.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
Adjective
-
There are scenic chairlift rides, an auto toll road to the top of Vermont’s highest peak, a fantastic recreation trail, hiking right out the door, and an awesome town with every activity imaginable, all kinds of great food and eclectic shopping.—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
Hannes Steinbach, big, 6-10, Washington Steinbach is an elite rebounder with awesome hands and led the Big Ten in both defensive rebound rate and total rebound rate as a freshman.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
This linen version has a lovely, floaty silhouette that prevents the fabric from clinging to the skin.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
-
But everything started with Maradona spinning away from two England players just inside the Argentina half with a lovely piece of skill.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top-shelf. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
