verge
55 synonyms and 0 antonyms for verge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The point right before something happens; the brink or edge.
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 verge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French verge, "rod or wand of office," from Latin virga ("rod, shoot"); the "edge/limit" sense grew out of the idea of a boundary marked by a ceremonial rod.
Full origin of verge →Frequently asked questions
What does “verge” mean?
The word “verge” means the point right before something happens; the brink or edge. In plain terms, mostly used today to mean "right on the edge of" — about to do or become something.
How do you pronounce “verge”?
“Verge” is pronounced vurj (/vɝd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “verge” in a sentence?
Here is “verge” used in a sentence: “The company was on the verge of bankruptcy before the buyout.”
What is another word for “verge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “verge” include berm, besidewalk, boulevard, boulevard strip, city easement and common.
What part of speech is “verge”?
Depending on how it is used, “verge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “verge” come from?
The word “verge” comes from Latin. From Old French verge, "rod or wand of office," from Latin virga ("rod, shoot"); the "edge/limit" sense grew out of the idea of a boundary marked by a ceremonial rod.
Is “verge” a common word?
“Verge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “verge” have?
“Verge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the point right before something happens; the brink or edge.
What is the difference between a verge and the edge of a road?
In this context, a verge specifically refers to a grass strip beside a road, distinguishing it from the paved road edge itself. It's the border zone between the road surface and whatever lies beyond it.
Can verge be used as a verb?
Yes, "to verge" means to come close to or border on something, as in behavior that "verges on" rudeness. This verb usage extends the idea of an edge or brink into describing something approaching a state or quality.