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 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 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 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
  • The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters, would not offer a date for the formal end of the operation.
    — Konstantin Toropin, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In Helaena’s room, Rhaenyra finds a tapestry Helaena had just finished sewing that predicts a dark and fiery end for Rhaenyra in the future.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 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
  • San Bernardino deputies said the Sheriff's Rural Crimes Task Force took over the investigation and asked anyone with tips to send them to law enforcement.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal will experience a special spectacle as totality, which will last just under two minutes, occurs right before sunset.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of tip
Noun
  • The upshot is that humans will no longer be the apex predator on earth.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Eurasian Eagle Owls are apex predators, and Flaco was a nonnative species that may have had a negative effect on the fragile Central Park ecosystem.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 7 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 15 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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