Synonyms of borderline

borderline 1 of 3

adjective

ˈbȯr-dər-ˌlīn 

as in frontier

located at or near a border

a borderline region that is claimed by both countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frontier
• marginal
• outer
• exterior
• external
• outermost
• outside
• outward
• outmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inner
• internal
• interior
• inward
• inside
• middle
• central
• innermost
• mid
• inmost

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

• almost
• practically
• nearly
• fairly
• virtually
• about
• most
• somewhere
• just about
• pretty much
• fair
• nigh
• well-nigh
• near
• mostly
• somewhat
• as good as
• more or less
• next to
• feckly
• largely
• much
• all but
• mainly
• partially
• within an inch of
• chiefly
• by and large
• partly
• appreciably
• kind of

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• quite
• completely
• absolutely
• entirely
• fully
• thoroughly
• altogether
• plain
• well
• totally
• utterly
• wholly
• plumb
• hardly
• barely
• scarcely

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

• edge
• perimeter
• border
• confines
• boundary
• verge
• edging
• circumference
• margin
• end
• fringe
• periphery
• rim
• bound
• frame
• skirt
• outskirts
• brim
• skirting
• cusp
• hem
• compass
• extent
• lip
• mere
• curb
• ceiling
• maximum
• brink
• limitation
• crest
• demarcation
• restriction
• pale
• shore
• borderland
• termination
• frontier
• measure
• ambit
• lap
• march
• selvage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• center
• heart
• core
• within
• middle
• interior
• inside
• inner

Example Sentences

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