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

The poll found the percentage of gamblers declining across the board, with the only question being how dramatically among each subgroup. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026

Yet across the board, California has still experienced low vacancies and high housing costs — even as the population essentially plateaued or even dipped in some areas. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Unlike previous extensions, the deal would not include across-the-board pay raises. — Haley Parsley august 11, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Opponents of expanding data center construction point to an across-the-board quality-of-life degradation for residents who live near one of the sprawling developments. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 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