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

Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Udvare, in an earlier presentation on the budget, noted that the town could give employees a lump sum or award merit raises rather than an across-the-board increase. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

While the tech market has thus far avoided a dramatic across-the-board sell-off, the artificial intelligence build-out is showing signs of strain. — Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 23 Oct. 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