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

With the market suddenly awash with oil, price estimates are being pared across the board. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 30 June 2026

The vows being very emotional seems to be something everyone is reporting across the board. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 July 2026

Adjective

State employees will get no across-the-board pay raise, which becomes a pay cut when inflation is considered. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026

If an across-the-board benefit reduction happens, it would be imposed on the benefits people are receiving at that time. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 19 June 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