edges
/ˈɛdʒɪz/
NOUN
1. Outer boundaries of a surface or object
The outer limits or lines where a surface, object, or area ends or meets another surface or area.
1.1. Physical boundaries and borders
Used to describe the outer lines or boundaries of physical objects, surfaces, materials, or geographical areas.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- centers
- middles
- interiors
- insides
- cores
Examples
- She carefully trimmed the edges of the paper to make it fit into the frame.
- The cat balanced precariously on the edges of the fence, surveying its surroundings.
- The river's current eroded the edges of the rocks over time.
Related Words
1.2. Geographical and spatial limits
Used to describe the outermost parts of geographical areas, landscapes, or spaces, particularly where one region transitions into another.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- centers
- interiors
- middles
- cores
Examples
- Dark clouds gathered on the edges of the horizon.
- Small villages developed along the edges of the metropolitan area.
Related Words
1.3. Beginning or approaching limits
Used to describe the extreme or transitional point of a situation, period, or condition, especially when something is close to beginning or reaching its limit.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- centers
- middles
- interiors
Examples
- The country was standing on the edges of a major political transformation.
- The project reached the edges of its original scope.
Related Words
- threshold
- turning point
- boundary
- limit
- transition
- beginning
NOUN
2. Competitive advantages
Advantages or superior positions that give someone or something a greater likelihood of success compared with competitors or opponents.
2.1. Competitive superiority and benefits
Used to describe advantages, favorable circumstances, or superior positions that help a person, organization, or team outperform others.
Synonyms
- advantages
- benefits
- boons
- upper hands
- superiorities
- ascendancies
- leads
- privileges
- head starts
- strengths
Antonyms
- disadvantages
- drawbacks
- detriments
- handicaps
- hindrances
- liabilities
- shortcomings
- setbacks
Examples
- The company's technological innovations give it significant edges over its competitors.
- Experienced players often have edges in strategic decision-making.
Related Words
- competitiveness
- dominance
- mastery
- opportunity
- leverage
- superiority
- success
NOUN
3. Sharp cutting sides of objects
The thin, sharpened sides of blades or instruments that are designed to cut, slice, pierce, or cause injury.
3.1. Cutting surfaces of blades and tools
Used to describe the sharpened sides of knives, axes, swords, and other cutting instruments that perform the actual cutting action.
Synonyms
- cutting edges
- blades
- cutting sides
- sharp sides
- keen edges
Antonyms
- blunt sides
- dull surfaces
- blunt surfaces
Examples
- The edges of the knives must be sharpened regularly.
- The craftsman carefully inspected the edges of the tools before using them.
Related Words
NOUN
4. Narrow or extreme limits
The outermost or most extreme positions of something, particularly points that mark the limit of an area, range, or condition.
4.1. Limits and boundaries of a range
Used to describe the extreme points or limits within which something exists, operates, or develops.
Synonyms
- bounds
- limits
- extents
- extremities
- confines
- peripheries
Antonyms
- centers
- middles
- interiors
Examples
- The researchers examined the edges of the acceptable temperature range.
- The design explores the edges of conventional architectural styles.
Related Words
NOUN
5. The early or initial part of a period
The beginning or early portion of a particular period, phase, or stage of development.
5.1. Beginning of a period or phase
Used to refer to the initial stage or early portion of a period, particularly when describing the transition into a new phase.
Synonyms
- beginnings
- thresholds
- onsets
- starts
- outsets
Antonyms
- ends
- conclusions
- terminations
- final stages
Examples
- The company experienced rapid growth at the edges of the new decade.
Related Words
- opening
- commencement
- initiation
- transition
- early stage
- starting point
NOUN
6. Ball contact with the edge of a bat
Instances in which a ball makes contact with the edge of a bat rather than its central striking surface, often producing an unintended deflection.
6.1. Cricket batting and ball deflection
Used in cricket to describe shots in which the ball strikes the edge of the bat and changes direction, sometimes resulting in a catch or dismissal.
Synonyms
- nicks
- deflections
- glances
Examples
- The batsman produced several edges during the difficult innings.
- The bowler appealed after two consecutive edges flew toward the slips.
Related Words
NOUN
7. Connections between vertices in a graph
Connections linking pairs of vertices in a mathematical graph or network, representing relationships or links between elements.
7.1. Mathematical graph theory
Used in graph theory to describe the connections between pairs of vertices, forming the links or relationships within a graph.
Synonyms
- links
- connections
- arcs
Examples
- The algorithm examines the edges connecting different vertices in the graph.
- Each edge represents a relationship between two nodes in the network.
Related Words
NOUN
8. Maintaining sexual arousal near climax
Levels of sexual arousal maintained just below the point of orgasm, typically through a technique involving the temporary reduction or interruption of stimulation.
8.1. Sexual arousal and orgasm control
Used to describe stages or instances of maintaining sexual excitement close to orgasm without allowing climax to occur immediately.
Synonyms
- prolonged arousal
- delayed climax
- orgasm delay
Examples
- The discussion explored the physiological aspects of maintaining sexual arousal near climax.
Related Words
- sexual stimulation
- orgasm
- climax
- arousal
- edging
VERB
9. Moving slowly and carefully
To move an object or oneself gradually and cautiously in a particular direction, often using small movements.
9.1. Careful and gradual movement
Used when someone or something moves slowly and cautiously toward, away from, or around a particular position.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- rushes
- charges
- bolts
- dashes
- hurries
Examples
- The car edges forward through the narrow passage.
- She edges closer to the door to hear the conversation.
Related Words
- cautious movement
- positioning
- approach
- maneuvering
- progression
VERB
10. Winning by a small margin
To defeat an opponent or achieve victory by a very narrow difference in score, performance, or outcome.
10.1. Narrow victory in competition
Used in sports, elections, contests, and other competitive situations when someone achieves a victory by only a small margin.
Synonyms
- narrowly defeats
- just beats
- pips
- scrapes past
- outperforms narrowly
Antonyms
- loses decisively
- is soundly defeated
- is overwhelmed
Examples
- The home team edges its rivals in the final minutes of the match.
- The candidate edges her opponent in the closely contested election.
Related Words
- victory
- competition
- opponent
- score
- margin
- close contest
VERB
11. Striking a ball with the edge of a bat
To hit a ball with the outer edge of a bat rather than its main striking surface, causing the ball to deflect in another direction.
11.1. Cricket batting and ball deflection
Used in cricket when a batter makes contact with the ball using the edge of the bat, often producing an unintended deflection toward fielders.
Synonyms
Examples
- The batsman edges the ball toward the slip fielder.
- He edges the delivery, and the wicketkeeper catches it behind the stumps.
Related Words
VERB
12. Trimming the borders of a lawn
To cut the grass along the outer boundaries of a lawn or garden to create a neat and clearly defined border.
12.1. Lawn and garden maintenance
Used when cutting grass along sidewalks, pathways, driveways, or garden beds to maintain clean and defined lawn boundaries.
Synonyms
- trims
- cuts
- neatens
- tidies
Examples
- He edges the lawn along the sidewalk every weekend.
- The gardener edges the flower beds before mowing the grass.
Related Words
- lawn care
- grass cutting
- landscaping
- garden maintenance
- lawn edger
- sidewalk
VERB
13. Providing something with a border
To furnish or decorate an object or surface with a distinct outer border, edging, or ornamental trim.
13.1. Decorative borders and finishing
Used when adding a decorative or protective border to clothing, furniture, fabric, or other objects.
Synonyms
- borders
- trims
- frames
- outlines
- fringes
- hem
Examples
- The designer edges the curtains with contrasting fabric.
- The craftsman edges the wooden panels with decorative molding.
Related Words
- edging
- border
- ornamentation
- fringe
- binding
- decorative trim
VERB
14. Sharpening cutting instruments
To sharpen or improve the cutting edge of a tool or weapon so that it becomes more effective at cutting or piercing.
14.1. Sharpening blades and tools
Used when sharpening knives, weapons, or other instruments by improving the keenness and effectiveness of their cutting surfaces.
Synonyms
- sharpens
- hones
- whets
- strops
- grinds
Antonyms
- blunts
- dulls
Examples
- The blacksmith edges the blades before delivering them to the customer.
- He edges the tools carefully to restore their cutting ability.
Related Words
- blade
- sharpness
- whetstone
- grinding
- cutting edge
- honing
VERB
15. Provoking or intensifying reactions
To stimulate, provoke, or intensify someone's emotions, reactions, or behavior through pressure, encouragement, or persistent urging.
15.1. Provoking emotional reactions
Used when something increases irritation, frustration, tension, or other emotional responses.
Synonyms
- provokes
- incites
- exasperates
- aggravates
- irritates
- intensifies
Antonyms
Examples
- His voice edges with frustration as the argument continues.
- The constant criticism edges her toward anger.
Related Words
15.2. Urging or encouraging action
Used when someone is encouraged, pressured, or persistently motivated to take a particular action.
Synonyms
- goads
- spurs
- urges
- prods
- eggs on
- incites
Antonyms
- discourages
- dissuades
- restrains
- deters
Examples
- His teammates edge him toward taking the final shot.
- The approaching deadline edges the employees into completing the project.
Related Words
- motivation
- encouragement
- persuasion
- pressure
- incentive
VERB
16. Delaying orgasm during sexual activity
To deliberately delay orgasm by reducing or pausing sexual stimulation when approaching climax, allowing arousal to continue for a longer period.
16.1. Sexual stimulation and orgasm control
Used to describe a sexual technique in which stimulation is reduced or temporarily stopped just before orgasm to postpone climax.
Synonyms
- delays orgasm
- prolongs arousal
- postpones climax
Examples
- Some people use edging techniques to delay orgasm.
- The technique edges sexual activity toward a prolonged period of arousal.
Related Words
- sexual arousal
- orgasm
- climax
- stimulation
- sexual response