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

Chris Douglas, a professor of economics at the University of Michigan-Flint, called it unlikely that stick prices will go up 50% across the board, noting Canada's modest market share, but wonders what will happen if demand increases. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

To curb massive server expenditures, engineering teams across the board are implementing strict token minimization algorithms. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Adjective

After that point, the law requires an automatic, across-the-board benefit cut because the trust fund can no longer make up the gap between what workers pay in and what retirees are owed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

The state budget, approved in June, imposed the across-the-board limit for the next three years in a bid to stabilize state revenues. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Aug. 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