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

Without action from Congress before then, benefits could face an across-the-board cut of 22%. — Greg Iacurci,annie Nova,kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,sarah Agostino,mike Winters, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Trump’s defeat in 2020—which was both predicted and predictable—proved that even an across-the-board loss on Election Night might not be decisive with a President willing to do anything to contest it. — Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 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