threshold

noun

ˈthresh-ˌhōld How to pronounce threshold (audio)
Definition of thresholdnext
1
as in verge
an interval of time just before the onset of something on the threshold of a new age of green technology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in beginning
the point at which something begins at the threshold of the new year, it's time to look back and make resolutions for the future

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 threshold OpenAI announcing that its upcoming AI model, dubbed Astra, breaches certain cybersecurity thresholds and will have throttled-back cyber capabilities when released. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 The order Graf read from the bench outlined the evidence presented during the hearing, ruling that the prosecution had met the threshold of probable cause and can still pursue the death penalty. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026 That is well below the 5-sigma threshold generally required to claim a discovery in particle physics. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 Importantly, the peak THC concentration among study participants, taken by blood tests at two and five hours post-exposure, were near or below the common thresholds for laws against intoxicated driving. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threshold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threshold
  1. verge
  2. beginning
  3. brink
  4. start
  5. edge
  6. inception
  7. alpha
  8. onset
Noun
  • Sinner, who needed the title to complete a career Grand Slam of his own, lost to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo from the verge of victory, wilting in the heat of Paris and with no little help from an illness.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the police also caution that many stories involving scopolamine verge on urban legend, and confirm that most criminals use other sedative drugs to manipulate their victims.
    — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of verge
Noun
  • The question that matters most A famous name should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.
    — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The new findings indicate that last year’s increases were a momentary surge, rather than the beginning of a positive trend.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
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
  • To stay in the chase, the Twins desperately need collective performances such as Sunday’s when Zebby Matthews provided a dominant start and the lineup pieced together enough offense to avoid a sweep at the hands of Chicago.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, when Malik Nabers’ first-round selection changed the depth chart, Slayton memorably caught only 10 total passes for 122 yards in the Giants’ first four games during a 1-3 start.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • The Eagles were not as dominant in 2025, partly due to the regression of the depth in their secondary and the injuries sustained at edge rusher.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The facilities would include what’s known as an edge computing data center, which typically is much smaller than traditional data centers and which Global Stack says would require lower utility use and no municipal water connection.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • The selection committee has included at least one representative for each team/market since the Hall’s inception in 1963, with an increasing number of at-large selectors more recently.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • McKenna took over the role in 2025 from Charles Mesure, who played the former World Security Bureau boss and intelligence operative since the character's 2023 inception.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • Alpha-gal syndrome occurs when a tick bite triggers an immune reaction to a molecule called galactose-α-1,3-galactose (long for alpha-gal) that’s found in food products like beef, pork, dairy, and, separately, tick saliva.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026
  • With each member bringing her own distinct charm and personality, Hearts2Hearts looks set to further establish themselves as icons of the Z-alpha generation.
    — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of alpha
Noun
  • At the onset of summer season the airport similarly saw a decline in its passenger forecast amid rising energy prices.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
  • At its onset, the school president had asked people to embrace those within their proximity.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of onset

Browse Nearby Words

threshing
threshold
thresholds
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Cite this Entry

“Threshold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threshold. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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