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

Veteran wide receiver, Darius Slayton interestingly said Harbaugh already has been confronting players in a constructive way to reinforce accountability across the board in the first few days of training camp here in West Virginia. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

There were one-on-ones across the board, a few physical hits at the point of contact, significant 11-on-11 snaps and the longest practice — around an hour-and-a-half — thus far. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Opponents of expanding data center construction point to an across-the-board quality-of-life degradation for residents who live near one of the sprawling developments. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026

Last month, Apple announced an across-the-board increase in the prices of its Mac computers, iPads and other devices. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 27 July 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