border 1 of 2

noun

ˈbȯr-dər How to pronounce border (audio)
Definition of bordernext
1
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something a rug with a fancily embroidered border

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frontier
a region along the dividing line between two countries people who live on an international border get used to carrying a passport

Synonyms & Similar Words

border

2 of 2

verb

as in to margin
to serve as a border for that velvet bordered the sleeves on this shirt, until it fell off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 border
Noun
In other words, the governor of the strategically important border state of Baja California was just caught on tape offering to become an FBI informant. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 There’s something undeniably joyful about this tray, from its scalloped border to its swirling marble finish. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026
Verb
Outside the industrial center, the city is defined by quiet coastal communities, craggy coastlines, tide pools and stretches of sandy beaches bordered by oceanfront homes. — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026 Maybe redemption is too strong a word, but with all of this attention on Luke, Joe’s normal-bordering-on-wholesome fling with Kayley is a breath of fresh air. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for border
Recent Examples of Synonyms for border
  1. perimeter
  2. frontier
  3. margin
  4. edge
  5. surround
  6. boundary
  7. bound
  8. edging
Noun
  • Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and DeMar DeRozan make for a tough out, but there are at least three teams that could be better in the East given Miami’s need for perimeter shooting and guardplay.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Those perimeter updates typically arrive only eight to 10 times a day while firefighters battle to contain a wildfire, SeLegue said.
    — Reeti Malhotra July 25, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of perimeter
Noun
  • The director is a descendant of the First Nations, and the film questions the colonial myth of what is beyond the frontier and how this myth still affects people.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
  • Thousands of migrants streamed into the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, prompting local officials to call on Spain to declare a national emergency and send the army to restore the frontier.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of frontier
Verb
  • But with Medicare Advantage costs moderating, analysts said the risk to earnings has decreased and margin progress next year can be meaningful.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • For a platform with millions of merchants, a stablecoin that lowers acceptance costs and returns reserve income on idle balances goes straight to margin.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of margin
Noun
  • Connection feels safer when nobody has to guess where the edge is.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • Lake Michigan is its main shoreline, though the northern edge also touches the Black River, a popular spot for kayakers and boaters, who can tie up at the waterfront restaurants.
    — Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
Definition of edge
Verb
  • Bone must be separated from surrounding rock millimeter by millimeter with a pneumatic chisel, whose needle gently breaks away rock while ultraviolet light reveals where the bone ends and the surrounding rock begins.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • The real estate firm looks at office markets in Charlotte and the surrounding suburbs.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of surround
Noun
  • The new 5th Congressional District boundaries were designed to ease a path for Republicans to force out Cleaver, who has represented Kansas City in Congress since 2005.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • As England captain, his success in elevating the team above mediocrity was only fleeting, but his impact crossed cultural boundaries.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 July 2026
Definition of boundary
Verb
  • The private sector’s growing role in security functions can deliver real value when properly bounded.
    — David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • In simple terms, the company is developing something that receives a photon and then uses an optical switch to direct it into a path bounded by highly reflective mirrors.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
Definition of bound
Noun
  • An old toothbrush can help reach between the balusters or spindles and decorative edging on posts and caps.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • The organic edging and modern handles create a sleek, sophisticated finish.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Definition of edging

Phrases Containing border

Browse Nearby Words

bordellos
border
bordereau
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Border.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/border. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on border

Nglish: Translation of border for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All