cutting edge

noun

Synonyms of cutting edgenext
1
: a sharp effect or quality
2
: the foremost part or place : vanguard
cutting-edge
ˈkə-tiŋ-ˌej How to pronounce cutting edge (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of cutting edge

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Examples of cutting edge in a Sentence

a company that has always been on the cutting edge of the new electronic media He's a director who tries to keep his films right on the cutting edge.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That lack of cutting edge was evident in the shootout, with Rayan Ait Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez missing the first three penalties. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Since OutKick is always on the cutting edge of cultural changes, here is the next one that is going to hit. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Chinese institutions have the capabilities and are doing cutting edge work, said Huang. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 It can’t be said enough that what’s seen as cutting edge today in technology rarely remains that way. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutting edge

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutting edge was in 1804

Rhymes for cutting edge

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Browse Nearby Words

cutting board
cutting edge
cutting fluid
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Cite this Entry

“Cutting edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutting%20edge. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cutting edge

noun
1
: the sharp edge of a cutting tool
2
: the newest and most advanced area of an activity
cutting-edge adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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