across the board

1 of 2

phrase

: so as to include or affect all classes or categories

cut spending across the board

also : in all areas or respects

considered an average player across the board

across-the-board

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈkrȯs-ṯẖə-ˈbȯrd 

1

: placed to win if a competitor wins, places, or shows

an across-the-board racing bet

2

: embracing or affecting all classes or categories : blanket

an across-the-board price increase

Synonyms of across the board

Adjective

• general
• overall
• generic
• universal
• common
• broad

Examples of across the board in a Sentence

Adjective

an across-the-board reduction in the state's budget because of declining revenues

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

That is always the fear of those accepting the current polling data, which predict a bad day for Republicans across the board. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

But despite flashes throughout the year, like a 16-point showing in a win over Providence or putting up 17 points and six rebounds in a blowout win of Kansas State, Lampkin’s production dropped across the board. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026

Adjective

These papers have hosted the voices of those who have parsed out the details of how Newsom’s across-the-board commutations are legally suspect in various ways, and indeed argued that Newsom is undermining the desires of Californians. — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026

Analysts say that the ICE raids and threats contributed to the loss of support among Latinos, who shifted heavily toward Democrats in the midterms and helped propel them to across-the-board victories in Texas, among other places. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1946, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for across the board

• particleboard
• phonorecord
• underinsured
• abhorred
• aboard
• accord
• adored
• afford
• award
• baseboard
• billboard
• blackboard