stellar
10 synonyms and 4 antonyms for stellar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to stars.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Relating to stars.
“Astronomers study stellar formation in distant galaxies.”
2. adj
Outstanding or exceptionally impressive.
“She gave a stellar performance in the final act.”
Opposites
How to use stellar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stellar performance
stellar reputation
stellar results
stellar evolution
Etymology
From Latin stellaris, "of the stars," from stella, "star."
Full origin of stellar →Frequently asked questions
What does “stellar” mean?
The word “stellar” means relating to stars. In plain terms, either literally about stars, or figuratively meaning excellent — like something that shines.
How do you pronounce “stellar”?
“Stellar” is pronounced STEH-luh (/ˈstɛlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stellar” in a sentence?
Here is “stellar” used in a sentence: “Astronomers study stellar formation in distant galaxies.”
What part of speech is “stellar”?
“Stellar” is an adjective.
Where does the word “stellar” come from?
The word “stellar” comes from Latin. From Latin stellaris, "of the stars," from stella, "star.".
Is “stellar” a common word?
“Stellar” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stellar” have?
“Stellar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to stars.
What is the difference between "stellar" and "astral"?
Both relate to stars, but "stellar" is the standard scientific term used in contexts like stellar mass or stellar evolution, while "astral" leans toward the mystical or spiritual, as in "astral plane" or "astral projection."
Can "stellar" describe something other than stars?
Yes, "stellar" is widely used informally to mean outstanding or exceptionally impressive, as in a "stellar performance" or "stellar reviews," with no connection to astronomy.
When should you use "stellar" instead of "excellent"?
"Stellar" borrows its intensity from astronomy, suggesting something rare and brilliant, which gives it more vivid emphasis than the plainer "excellent" in casual or enthusiastic praise.
