FRONTIER Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

frontier 1 of 2

noun

ˌfrən-ˈtir

Definition of frontier

as in border

a region along the dividing line between two countries the Apaches were once feared on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico frontier

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in countryside

a rural region that forms the edge of the settled or developed part of a country Alaska has been called America's last frontier

Synonyms & Similar Words

frontier

2 of 2

adjective

as in marginal

located at or near a border a frontier town with a reputation for vice and lawlessness

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 frontier

Noun

Those concerns have picked up momentum in recent months as more and more insiders call for slower development and warn about safety culture in frontier labs. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026 Gemini 3, which launched towards the end of 2025, put Google very much in the frontier AI conversation. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Adjective

That worried Huang, who fears a Chinese rival, and White House officials, who believe Chinese dependence on non-frontier American chips is the best way to ensure a lead in AI. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frontier

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frontier

Noun

The remains, discovered at a Greek border area 60 years ago, were flown to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, aboard a military aircraft that was escorted by Bulgarian air force fighter jets from the country's border with Greece.

— COSTAS KANTOURIS, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
What starts as a brief encounter blossoms into a romance that transcends national borders.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of border

Noun

Best Natural-Material Pillow The Six Bells Inn brings its cozy countryside aesthetic all the way to the bed, outfitting its guest rooms with Ostermoor mattresses, pillows, and duvets.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Located on a quiet lane, a stay here offers the best of the UK countryside with rolling hills and farmland on one side.

— Katie Silcox, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of countryside

Adjective

Quan said this was another marginal change, noting that under Charter Amendment ER, approved by voters in 2024, the ethics commission can impose fines of up to $15,000.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
And for those marginal savings, many studies have found the schedule can hurt student achievement.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of marginal

Noun

These countries will face the costs of aging at much lower income levels than the advanced economies that aged before them, the report says, noting that in Europe, the same shift took several decades.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
Some Southeast Asian countries are trying to leverage their strengths to capture more of the value chain.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of country

Noun

Navigate the biodiverse backwaters of Choctawhatchee Bay or visit Destin, the perfect beach town for kiteboarding and snorkeling.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
No one predicted the sleepy backwater of Sassnitz would be rebranded ‘Crashnitz’ or ‘Smashnitz’ by the end of the first edition of the German Sail Grand Prix last year.

— Andrew Rice, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of backwater

Noun

In any event, relocating an entertainment behemoth out of California, to some entertainment hinterland like those states, would be more complicated and certainly costly than staying put.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
At the very least, regionalism marked a spatial recalibration in the literary imaginary, away from European metropoles and national capitals and toward rural hinterlands.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of hinterland

Noun

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office reminds those venturing into the backcountry to know their limitations and prepare before departing.

— Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
In a statement, the sheriff's office urged hikers, particularly those exploring the backcountry, to know their limits and prepare before heading out.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of backcountry

Noun

In the fourth grade, Laura had suggested that the Jackrabbits’s meet in the loft rather than in the buggy bushes behind her house, but Carrie had refused.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Everywhere are cosseting details like stiffer mounting bushes and extra damping bars.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of bush

Browse Nearby Words

fronted

frontier

frontiers

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Frontier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frontier. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frontier

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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