frontier 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of frontiernext
as in marginal
located at or near a border a frontier town with a reputation for vice and lawlessness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frontier

2 of 2

noun

ˌfrən-ˈtir How to pronounce frontier (audio)
1
as in border
a region along the dividing line between two countries the Apaches were once feared on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico frontier

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2
as in countryside
a rural region that forms the edge of the settled or developed part of a country Alaska has been called America's last frontier

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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 frontier
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
Noun
Some of these complexities include balancing the portrayal of more diversity while acknowledging the discrimination that occurred within frontier history. — Emily Staunton, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026 Approaching the frontier The performance of Chinese AI models is also increasing. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for frontier
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frontier
  1. marginal
  2. border
  3. countryside
  4. country
  5. backwater
  6. hinterland
  7. backcountry
  8. bush
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
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
Noun
  • Kober, who has been married for more than 75 years, was born in east London before he and his siblings were evacuated to the countryside during World War II.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 July 2026
Definition of countryside
Noun
  • Like previous host countries, Turkey is likely to use the summit to put its own security concerns and defense industry on the agenda.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • And, in a country struck by tragedy, this loss felt close to home.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • Fully restored to its original glory, the mansion is located on the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, and is only accessible by boat from the mainland.
    — Rumit Mehta, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • The movie goes from this weird, seedy love motel to the industrial backwaters, and these long walks and talks down empty streets.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Definition of backwater
Noun
  • Indeed, Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure have created major gas shortages that are bedeviling much of the Russian hinterland.
    — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026
  • In Beach Enclave’s hinterland, there are plenty of enjoyable distractions, including a 4,500-square-foot golf complex, with putting green, courts for tennis, padel, and pickleball, fitness center, and games lounge.
    — Sarah Turner, Robb Report, 25 June 2026
Definition of hinterland
Noun
  • Whether riding or hiking in the backcountry, our equipment and training is always limited.
    — Tyler Freel, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026
  • Freeride’s inclusion represents one of the most significant additions to the Games, bringing a discipline long associated with the backcountry onto the Olympic stage for the first time.
    — Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of backcountry
Noun
  • Many hedges, bushes, and trees can block sight lines, so even the nosiest of neighbors will be forced to mind their own business.
    — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
  • These wonders can grow as strange, twisted bushes or as giant, spindly trees.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of bush

Browse Nearby Words

fronted
frontier
frontiers
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Cite this Entry

“Frontier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frontier. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frontier

Nglish: Translation of frontier for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frontier

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