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

Relevance
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 With that, and with their walk-off in San Diego, the Padres leapt from the cusp of the wild-card picture to the thick of it. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 The inability to imagine a middle-class life—especially for the Subaru Socialists right on the cusp of comfort—seems to be what’s behind a slate of recent electoral victories for the Democratic Socialists of America. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026 Pandemic restrictions heavily curtailed his first season, while a wave of antitrust litigation challenged the economic foundation of the NCAA and California moved to the cusp of ushering in the NIL era through state-level legislation. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026 The clutter ebbs and flows like the tide, reflecting the chaos of spaces where artists live, often homes just on the cusp between quaint and unbearably chaotic. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cusp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cusp
Noun
  • Created by Lena Dunham, the series starred Dunham, along with Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, and Jemima Kirke, as women on the verge — of career, love, and many poor choices — in New York City.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The buyer of Lindy’s could keep the old-school steakhouse running, rebrand it or pursue other options for the property, with a sale expected to close by the end of the year.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The stunning eat-in kitchen is updated with high end custom cabinetry, a center island with room for seating on one side and a workspace surrounding the kitchen sink.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
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
Noun
  • In December 2025, the CFPB under Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought withdrew the proposal, ruling that fees and voluntary tips were not finance charges.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The book celebrates the family's Southern, Sicilian and Cajun roots with recipes, entertaining tips and treasured traditions designed to bring loved ones together.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Justin Jefferson somehow separated enough from the triple coverage that converged at the apex of his route, leaped to snag the ball with both hands, tapped both feet on the turf, and tumbled backward to put the Vikings in front.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • That haziness gets more distorted on the title track, which hits its apex with siren-like oscillations.
    — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cusp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cusp. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cusp

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster