cusp

noun

ˈkəsp How to pronounce cusp (audio)
Definition of cuspnext
1
as in verge
an interval of time just before the onset of something medical researchers who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in end
the last and usually sharp or tapering part of something long and narrow the cusp of a fang

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 cusp Also, if this is what the cusp of 50 looks like, please pass the bottle of potion. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Why Our Brains Sometimes Work Against Us Our brains are primed to look for danger—a threat-detection instinct that still serves us in certain circumstances, but not on the cusp of our own accomplishments. — Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The series arrives on the cusp of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, and offers an alternative history that’s still steeped in facts. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 On the cusp of the 250th anniversary of its founding, the United States of America is at a crossroads. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cusp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cusp
  1. verge
  2. end
  3. brink
  4. tip
  5. apex
Noun
  • The bar’s aesthetic verges on Brutalist, with walls made of concrete blocks, uniform round tables, and stone chairs affixed to the floor, but its offerings are a more conventional list of classic cocktails, including Spritzes and Negronis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Parker is perpetually just on the verge of manhood — youthful, optimistic, with a somewhat innocent boyish sense of romance.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of verge
Noun
  • In a game that could’ve gone either way towards the end, the Indiana Fever pulled away with a 95-91 win against the Dream in overtime on Sunday.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Then, accessorize with a simple black thong sandal and woven handbag—two end-of-summer staples not to stow away just yet.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of end
Noun
  • If foods or liquids within the main refrigerator compartment are showing signs of frost or freezing, this is a sign that your fridge could be at its brink.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Keegan later moved into management, revitalizing Newcastle ​United and taking ​the club to ⁠the brink of the Premier League title in the mid-1990s before enduring a more difficult spell as England manager.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of brink
Noun
  • Anyone who can provide a tip in connection with Standish is urged to call 651-438-8477 or fill out a form on the sheriff's office website.
    — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Insider tip Book the signature ritual at the spa for 110 minutes of deeply restorative me time.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of tip
Noun
  • Gin-Gin Mule The turn of the millennium is when vodka was at the apex of its cultural power.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • While many are known to migrate to the remote archipelago of Franz Josef Land in Russia’s northernmost territory, and the count of the apex predators on Svalbard varies throughout the year, around 300 remain there year-round.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apex

Browse Nearby Words

cushy
cusp
cusps
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Cite this Entry

“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cusp. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cusp

Nglish: Translation of cusp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cusp

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