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
As a result, some players who may be borderline prospects, or ones who simply wish to raise their draft stock and have more years of college eligibility, are choosing to stay in school while not missing out on a payday the NFL can provide. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 The result is borderline Succession-esque in its level of absurdity, and D’Arcy, so reliably tormented, gets to show sides of the character that have never even been hinted at before. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Adverb
In the middle of this, I was tested for gestational diabetes, and the result came back borderline. — The Cut, 14 Sep. 2017 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
Noun
And while Crocker has set a high bar for releases, this latest meets those expectations in some novel and borderline exhilarating ways. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The song’s spacious production lets its piercing saxophone riffs dissipate into silence, only for borderline obnoxious horns to swirl them back into rhythm. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 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 area is under a marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) of severe weather.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • To be sure, the effect is uneven as some very cold places may see modest benefits from marginal warming, at least up to a point.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 June 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
  • The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • As night falls, the doors open and the nearly 5,000 attendees walk in.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of borderline for Spanish Speakers

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