borderline 1 of 3

adjective

ˈbȯr-dər-ˌlīn How to pronounce borderline (audio)
Definition of borderlinenext
as in frontier
located at or near a border a borderline region that is claimed by both countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

borderline

2 of 3

adverb

as in almost
very close to but not completely your answer was borderline rude, so I would advise you to be more diplomatic in the future

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

borderline

3 of 3

noun

as in edge
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something the actual borderline separating the two properties is now being disputed

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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 borderline
Adjective
The mood in Venice is still borderline ecstatic, full of gossip, parties, and people chatting about art in their respective cities, trading business cards, discovering new talent, eating, drinking, and stumbling around, running into old friends. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026 His rhetoric and borderline audacious claims telegraphed that failure to make progress on the bridge was more than a mere infrastructure hindrance. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Fringe-y/borderline/ticking-time-bomb people are always out there and probably have active imaginations that go way beyond what sometimes pops up in movies. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2019 Both teams came out hitting to start Game 2 and the intensity jumped another level after McNabb’s borderline hit on Kuznetsov. — Adam Candee, Detroit Free Press, 30 May 2018
Noun
And then in the third, borderline, foul-ball homer right there. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 28 June 2026 By not challenging a borderline full-count ball to Freeman that broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth, the Padres made a large mental error. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for borderline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borderline
  1. frontier
  2. almost
  3. edge
  4. marginal
  5. practically
  6. perimeter
  7. nearly
  8. border
Adjective
  • That worried Huang, who fears a Chinese rival, and White House officials, who believe Chinese dependence on non-frontier American chips is the best way to ensure a lead in AI.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Definition of frontier
Adverb
  • Mediators of the deal, led by Pakistan and Qatar, will almost certainly now be hurriedly trying to get the agreement back on the rails.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • In fact, the idea of splitting atoms for propulsion and power was being seriously considered almost as soon as the first atomic explosions were made public.
    — David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Definition of almost
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge
Adjective
  • The Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, has placed the Kansas City area under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Digital enterprises learned how to scale experiences, transactions and services at near-zero marginal cost.
    — Motaz Agamawi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of marginal
Adverb
  • And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
  • Loose dresses are a lifesaver when humidity strikes, and this midi style was practically made for tropical temperatures.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of practically
Noun
  • Catalan Fire Service head of operations Eduard Martinez said the blaze had a perimeter of 25 miles and firefighters may not be able to bring it under control on Sunday, EFE said.
    — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • The Waseca County Honor Guard carried the flag out of the fairgrounds hall, and with about 35 volunteers around its perimeter, the red, white and blue was fully unfurled in all its glory for the first time in decades.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of perimeter
Adverb
  • Plans for a data center in Henderson County are apparently on hold for now after the developer did not provide justification for a request to pull a maximum of nearly 2 billion gallons of water a year from Cedar Creek Lake.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • Then the group will take a nice – and well-deserved – break for a little bit after their nearly year-long tour and releasing music in between.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of nearly
Noun
  • The bears seen in large urban centers and agricultural areas, like the southeastern corners of the state and parts of the western border, are generally transient, as those areas don't have enough woods to create a good habitat.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Today, they're celebrated not just for their thrift, but for proving that small cars can have enormous personality – a trait Honda is now hoping will resonate far beyond Japan's borders.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Definition of border

Browse Nearby Words

borderlands
borderline
borderlines
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Cite this Entry

“Borderline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borderline. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of borderline for Spanish Speakers

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