sterling

8 synonyms and 1 antonym for sterling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adjective — Relating to the official currency of the United Kingdom, the pound sterling.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

excellent outstanding genuine

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

admirable superb

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

first-rate superlative greatest

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adjective

Relating to the official currency of the United Kingdom, the pound sterling.

“The invoice was quoted in pounds sterling.”

excellent outstanding first-rate admirable superb genuine superlative greatest

2. adjective

Of very high quality or trustworthiness; outstanding.

“The team did a sterling job organising the whole event.”

Opposites

mediocre

How to use sterling

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

pound sterling sterling silver sterling reputation sterling work

Etymology

Possibly from Old English steorra ("star"), referring to the small star design once stamped on English silver pennies.

Full origin of sterling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sterling” mean?

The word “sterling” means relating to the official currency of the United Kingdom, the pound sterling. In plain terms, genuine and of high standard — used for British currency, pure silver, and (figuratively) excellent character or work.

How do you pronounce “sterling”?

“Sterling” is pronounced STUR-lihng (/ˈstɜɹlɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “sterling” in a sentence?

Here is “sterling” used in a sentence: “The invoice was quoted in pounds sterling.”

What part of speech is “sterling”?

“Sterling” is an adjective.

Where does the word “sterling” come from?

The word “sterling” comes from Old English. Possibly from Old English steorra ("star"), referring to the small star design once stamped on English silver pennies.

Is “sterling” a common word?

“Sterling” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “sterling” have?

“Sterling” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the official currency of the United Kingdom, the pound sterling.

What is the difference between sterling and pound sterling?

Sterling is the name of the official currency of the United Kingdom, while pound sterling names its main unit. In practice 'sterling' is often used for the currency as a whole, especially in finance, and 'the pound' for individual amounts.

What is the difference between sterling silver and pure silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy that is 92.5 percent silver mixed with other metals, usually copper, for durability, which is why it is often stamped 925. Pure or fine silver is almost entirely silver and much softer, so sterling silver is stronger and better suited to everyday items.

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excellent outstanding genuine superb admirable mediocre superlative

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