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
Sugar approaches him with an air of borderline ignorant confidence and requests a conversation with his boss. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 June 2026 As soon as daylight saving time hits, like clockwork, my once borderline obsessive need to have perfectly pristine floors, windows, walls, and closets is thrown to the wayside. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 June 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
Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus has narrowly missed the playoffs in back-to-back years despite Zach Werenski putting up two borderline MVP-caliber seasons. — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 This test can be especially useful for people in borderline or intermediate risk groups who are unsure about beginning medication. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 27 July 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
  • For instance, this option from Oak and Luna features a naturally occurring silicon carbide now grown almost entirely in labs, brings a more responsible origin story alongside genuine brilliance, ranking second only to diamond in hardness.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Brent is now trading at its highest level in almost a month, as traders price in a prolonged disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of almost
Noun
  • In addition, Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb were the only edge-rushing outside linebackers on the field for the Bills’ first-team defense.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • And this year, the popular concept will be revisited in a new mid-top form, giving the shoe an even more boot-like edge.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of edge
Adjective
  • The Storm Prediction Center has placed all the Kansas City forecast area under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe storms.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For an executive whose marginal rate is well above 22%, that gap between what's withheld and what's owed becomes a five- or six-figure surprise.
    — Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of marginal
Adverb
  • The whole thing was practically shot, which was pretty big for a first-time filmmaker — to be pushing the practical shooting of it all.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Coal, which accounted for about 80% of electricity in 2000, provided just 55% in 2025, while wind and solar rose to around 20% from practically nothing over that period.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of practically
Noun
  • The cougar was found lying on the sidewalk under the shade of a tree, where deputies set up a perimeter to keep vehicles and people away.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This mix of modernity and tradition works well, both inside and out, where a stroll around the ground’s perimeter switches quickly from feeling gloriously old-school to being brought right up to date.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of perimeter
Adverb
  • The failure by American and Canadian trade negotiators to reach a deal came after nearly two weeks of furious talks.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Last year, the domestic microdrama industry was valued at nearly $15 billion, according to market research firm DataEye, almost double the market size for box-office feature films in the country.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of nearly
Noun
  • Both the government and the Houthis have reported clashes and drone strikes along many parts of the frontlines, which stretch several hundred miles from the Red Sea coast to Yemen’s border with Oman.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • About 600 residents in nearby municipalities in Waimes and Bütgenbach, in Liège province near the German border, were told to evacuate Saturday as winds shifted and smoke spread through the area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of borderline for Spanish Speakers

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