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 Up next is Legacy Motor Club’s Erik Jones, whose strong midseason surge has him on the cusp of a Chase spot with nine races remaining in NASCAR’s regular season. — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 24 June 2026 The former Hawks All-Star guard is on the cusp of a new contract with the Wizards that is reportedly worth more than $210 million over four years, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. — Ajc Sports, AJC.com, 22 June 2026 Microwave the mixture on high power until the water is on the cusp of boiling, which should take 7-9 minutes depending on the water temperature and microwave power. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 Here’s what developers plan and what the proposals could mean for a corner of the Treasure Valley on the cusp of big changes. — Rose Evans updated June 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 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 series tracks the pair’s investment in Wrexham AFC, a once-downtrodden team in Wales that has since risen to the verge of a promotion to the Premier League, the highest tier of British pro soccer.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • Spirits ran high for most of the night at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium as Austria and Algeria faced off, both on the verge of punching their tickets to the next round of the global tournament.
    — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Definition of verge
Noun
  • Sharp, a rookie second-round draft pick from Houston, continued to impress at both ends of the floor with big shots and big stops on defense.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • But stepping out of the Georgia prison proved not to be the end of the uphill battle the father of two faced after his wrongful conviction.
    — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of end
Noun
  • Iran peace deal or not, so many farmers in the Heartland were already going into 2026 on the financial brink.
    — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 25 June 2026
  • Knicks on brink of title after greatest-ever NBA Finals comeback.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Definition of brink
Noun
  • This relaxed college town, home to Cal Poly, boasts a renowned Thursday night Farmer's Market with diverse food and live music, including famous tri-tip.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • While experts have tips for preparing food at home, dining out means letting someone else do the prep work, including washing produce and cooking food to the right temperature.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of tip
Noun
  • Sertraline, being lipid-soluble, accumulates in the marine food chain, eventually reaching apex predators like sharks.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Matthews works for Florida Shark Diving, one of several shark charter companies in southeast Florida that promise up-close encounters with some of the state’s apex predators.
    — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 2 July 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 13 Jul. 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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