Synonyms for

Brink

Verb / brɪŋk / Another word for brink — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the edge or margin of a steep place or of a watercourse

Synonyms & similar words

threshold verge edge verge lip rim periphery brim border boundary cusp threshold precipice abyss chasm precipice cliff drop bank shoreline coast fringe

Synonyms by register

Formal

verge precipice threshold cusp

Informal

edge lip rim

Literary

precipice verge cusp

Antonyms

center middle safety security certainty calm peace

Common collocations

  • on the brink
  • brink of disaster
  • brink of war
  • brink of collapse
  • brink of extinction
  • brink of ruin
  • brink of success

Word family

noun brink

Usage note

Often used in the phrase 'on the brink of' to indicate a situation is about to change dramatically, usually for the worse. It implies being at the very edge of something significant.

Example sentences

  1. He stood on the brink of the swimming pool, ready to jump in.
  2. The economy was on the brink of collapse before the government intervened.
  3. The river flowed dangerously close to the brink of the canyon.
  4. I was on the brink of tears when I heard the news.
  5. The team was on the brink of victory when the opposing team scored a goal.

Quotes

  • 'The brink of the ocean is a unique place to rest, where the soul meets the edge of the universe.' - Unknown
  • 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.' - Winston Churchill
  • 'The best way to predict your future is to create it.' - Abraham Lincoln

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