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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Aside from animation similarities, the main element these two cartoons have in common is a breakneck, borderline chaotic pace. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 The long, borderline stiletto shape gives each flower its own space to bloom—even allowing for some pearl accents. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 2 Aug. 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
Reasonable people can disagree about where Clark belonged behind Wilson, but leaving the Fever superstar outside the top five is borderline malpractice. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 There is such an imperative to cut costs that anything that’s borderline or doesn’t have a clear financial upside is considered at risk. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 8 Oct. 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
  • Dominguez has been funded almost entirely by the teachers union.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Recorded live in a Norwegian church with the British organist Kit Downes, the album consists almost entirely of pipe organ and Sundfør’s steadfast, saintly voice.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of almost
Noun
  • Sequenced at the center of a three-track medley, its death-dream logic deliberately evokes the SMiLE era’s dark, confusing edge.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Wear one in beige or white to add a bit of brightness to your look, or black for some edge.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of edge
Adjective
  • Each marginal well produces only a little profit, so operators may not have much incentive to invest in repairs and upgrades, Miller says.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There is a marginal risk for excessive rainfall for much of east Central Florida and 20 percent chance of lightning in the forecast.
    — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of marginal
Adverb
  • Existing approaches have typically relied on relatively bulky energy-harvesting devices sutured onto organs, which have struggled to generate practically useful amounts of power.
    — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Allure Best of Beauty winner—feels practically weightless on skin, absorbing quickly without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of practically
Noun
  • Intterra has for years provided software to the state that helps emergency officials collect the latest information, such as fire perimeter maps created by Cal OES intel airplanes, and share it with firefighters in the field.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • New claims of danger emerge The East Potomac closure will extend far beyond the golf course, removing public access to recreational areas and much of the three-mile perimeter loop beloved by runners and cyclists.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of perimeter
Adverb
  • As families’ interest in charter schools continues to grow, however — charters enrolled over 400,000 students in 2026, up nearly 50,000 students since 2022 — supply and quality must keep up with demand.
    — Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • After fouling out for the first time in nearly a year a few days ago, Antetokounmpo again ran into foul trouble early in Wednesday’s game.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of nearly
Noun
  • In their letter, the bishops attempted to balance human dignity and a right for governments to humanely protect borders.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, tactical roads, anti-tank walls and other fortifications to what's already one of the world's most heavily armed borders.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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