Synonyms of down-to-the-wirenext
: full of suspense
especially : unsettled until the very end

Examples of down-to-the-wire in a Sentence

a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to sensors at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and McQuill University, the multiple small earthquakes and seismic activity occurred during primetime ET goals scored by the Original Six team in their Stanley Cup second round down-to-the-wire battle with the formidable Sabres. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 May 2026 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 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

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of down-to-the-wire was in 1930

Cite this Entry

“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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