frontier
6 synonyms for frontier, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The border area between two countries, or the edge of settled and unsettled land.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use frontier
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the final frontier
push the frontier
frontier town
Etymology
From Old French frontiere, based on Latin frons ("front").
Full origin of frontier →Frequently asked questions
What does “frontier” mean?
The word “frontier” means the border area between two countries, or the edge of settled and unsettled land. In plain terms, a border region, or figuratively, the cutting edge of a field of knowledge.
How do you pronounce “frontier”?
“Frontier” is pronounced FRUHN-teer (/fɹʌnˈtɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “frontier” in a sentence?
Here is “frontier” used in a sentence: “The town grew up along the old western frontier.”
What part of speech is “frontier”?
“Frontier” is a noun.
Where does the word “frontier” come from?
The word “frontier” comes from Latin. From Old French frontiere, based on Latin frons ("front").
Is “frontier” a common word?
“Frontier” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “frontier” have?
“Frontier” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the border area between two countries, or the edge of settled and unsettled land.
What is the difference between "frontier" and "border"?
A "border" is the precise line that divides two countries or regions, while a "frontier" is the broader area along that line, or the edge between settled and unsettled land. A border is a boundary; a frontier is the zone around it and often carries a sense of wilderness or the unknown.
What words commonly go with "frontier"?
"Frontier" often appears in phrases such as "the final frontier," "new frontier," "frontier town," "push the frontiers," and "the American frontier." These uses stress either a physical borderland or the leading edge of progress.
What is the difference between "frontier" and "boundary"?
A "boundary" marks where one area ends and another begins and can apply to countries, properties, or abstract limits, while a "frontier" specifically suggests the outer edge of settled territory or of what is known. Frontier carries a stronger sense of exploration and the beyond.
