as in staunch
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a down-the-line supporter of the Republican Party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in down to the ground
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of down-the-line
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
With the right coaching, there is some down-the-line starting potential.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Denzel Burke, Ohio State Like Alexander, Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Only the occasional decision — going cross-court over down-the-line, playing a drop-shot or lob ahead of a pass — went awry.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
After smacking a one-handed, down-the-line backhand winner that finished with the flourish of a flowing followthrough, giving him a break for a 4-3 edge in the fifth set, Eubanks held his right index finger to his ear, seeking more noise.
—Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023
The two engaged in a 11-shot rally that seemed to be over after what seemed to be a down-the-line backhand winner from Bublik.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023
After an 11-shot rally ended with a flawless down-the-line backhand, Duxbury sophomore Tim Vargas let his emotions go, well aware of his role in cementing the Dragons as state champions.
—Greg Levinsky, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
Adjective
Denzel Burke, Ohio State (4th-5th) Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
With the right coaching, there is some down-the-line starting potential.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Denzel Burke, Ohio State Like Alexander, Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Only the occasional decision — going cross-court over down-the-line, playing a drop-shot or lob ahead of a pass — went awry.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
After smacking a one-handed, down-the-line backhand winner that finished with the flourish of a flowing followthrough, giving him a break for a 4-3 edge in the fifth set, Eubanks held his right index finger to his ear, seeking more noise.
—Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023
The two engaged in a 11-shot rally that seemed to be over after what seemed to be a down-the-line backhand winner from Bublik.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023
After an 11-shot rally ended with a flawless down-the-line backhand, Duxbury sophomore Tim Vargas let his emotions go, well aware of his role in cementing the Dragons as state champions.
—Greg Levinsky, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-the-line
Adjective
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Initially introduced in the 1980s in service of building a superior urban running shoe, the color continues to embody New Balance’s staunch dedication to craft, quality, and fearless independence, in every field.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
3 May 2025
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Rubio has largely eschewed his staunch advocacy of providing foreign aid and promoting democracy overseas since taking over the State Department, repeating a refrain that every policy or program should make America safer, stronger or more prosperous.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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While Broadcom’s financial success since acquiring VMware suggests that its business plan will remain steadfast, sending cease-and-desist letters to VMware users risks further harming its reputation with current and former customers.—
Scharon Harding – May 7,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2025
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Their team walks clients through every step, offering open communication, empathy, and steadfast support throughout the process.—
Ascend Agency,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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Chalamet has stayed loyal to Guadagnino and to Italy, attending the Venice film festival for the premiere of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part 1 in 2021 and again a year later with Bones and All (2022), a horror romance directed by Guadagnino and co-starring Taylor Russell.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
2 May 2025
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But nonetheless, the band has maintained an incredibly loyal following.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Strong lines that team up to form geometric designs, metallic accents, luxe materials like marble and velvet, and eye-catching ornamentation are certainly part of the style's foundation, true.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
-
And of course, no one would be a true derby guest without an intricate and matching asymmetric disc headband fascinator.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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But Tkachuk found a way to make up for his earlier mistake by redirecting a Thomas Chabot point shot past Anthony Stolarz, sending the Canadian Tire Centre faithful into madness.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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An early sculpt of what would become the animatronic was revealed, one complete with age spots on Disney’s hands and weariness around his eyes — Imagineers stressed their intent is faithful accuracy — but much of the attraction remains secretive.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Police and fire departments have sometimes defeated disparate impact challenges over physical fitness test requirements on grounds that good fitness is essential to those jobs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 May 2025
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This is also a pivotal episode for Ellie and Dina, who get themselves into a good bit of trouble on their first day looking for Abby.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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Biden, a devout Catholic, had been scheduled to travel to Rome to meet with Pope Francis near the end of his presidency, but canceled the trip to remain focused on devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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For The 1st Time — At Lower Prices My grandmother, Alberta, a devout Jamaican Catholic who migrated to America before I was born, was a living embodiment of Pope Francis’s message.—
Richard Fowler,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Held at Churchill Downs, the nation’s premier horse racing event continues to attract dedicated fans and casual spectators alike.—
Javier Zarracina,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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Bona Fides The reigning king of the genre is 2017’s Escape from Tarkov, a game with a dedicated hardcore audience, but the most popular extraction shooter the general public might’ve actually played is Helldivers 2, which exploded in users after arriving in early 2024.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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