DOWN-TO-THE-WIRE Synonyms: 7 Similar Words

down-to-the-wire

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tə-ṯhə-ˈwī(-ə)r

Definition of down-to-the-wire

as in narrow

showing little difference in the standing of the competitors a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire The true significance of Pakistan's intervention only became clear when both sides agreed to a pause shortly after a down-to-the-wire plea from the country's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 12 Apr. 2026 Less than a month ago, the Lakers squandered double-digit leads against the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic in down-to-the-wire defeats. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 19 Mar. 2026 The tides turned for the Tigers after their first significant road win, a down-to-the-wire 86-85 victory over Texas A&M. — Ally Schniepp, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2026 The result is some down-to-the-wire races in several major categories. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire

Adjective

The males feed under a narrow, white, waxy coating and mate with females in spring.

— Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
That changed in 2013, when a small, dark body orbiting between Saturn and Uranus passed in front of a star and blinked twice on either side of the main event, revealing two narrow rings around an object barely 250 kilometers across.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

With millions of ballots soon to flood mailboxes, people are paying closer attention.

— Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
According to The Irish Star, the POTUS’ close relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp, has further strained his connection with Melania.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

But she is locked in a tight race against Tejano musician Bobby Pulido.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
Over a tight five-day timeline — as Marnus and Ilse finish school ahead of the December holidays, and the family prepares for their summer vacation — these various tensions impact one another in tacit but perhaps terminal ways.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of tight

Browse Nearby Words

down to the ground

down-to-the-wire

downtown

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“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of down-to-the-wire

adjective

Example Sentences

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