TOP-SHELF Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

top-shelf

adjective

ˈtäp-ˈshelf

Definition of top-shelf

as in excellent

of the very best kind hoping to impress the new neighbors, she brought a top-shelf wine as a housewarming gift

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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 margaritas here, made with top-shelf tequilas and infusions of unique fruits and spices, are much better than the frozen swill served in the general Mexico Pavilion. — Laura Ratliff, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026 There aren’t many top-shelf hitters on the market, and Milwaukee has a ton of interchangeable pieces that can provide some versatility. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 22 July 2026 His mother, vocalist Valerie Pinkston, was a top-shelf backup singer who worked with everyone from Beyoncé, Morrisey, and Luther Vandross to Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, and Ray Charles. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 At Humboldt, Tubbs discovered political organizing, as well as the pleasures of top-shelf marijuana. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for top-shelf

Recent Examples of Synonyms for top-shelf

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

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

Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wonderful

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

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

And while the linebacker group is average, the secondary has a good foundation and the defensive line has enough depth and potential to be awesome.

— Austin Mock, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
There is a decent chance the winner of the American League West could finish with a losing record, which would be a first in MLB history, 110 percent awesome, and worthy of its own banner.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of awesome

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

Browse Nearby Words

top secret

top-shelf

topsoil

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“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top-shelf. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of top-shelf

adjective

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