front line

1 of 2

noun

1

a

: a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units

also : front sense 2a(2)

b

: an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle

2

: the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity

frontline

2 of 2

adjective

front·​line ˈfrənt-ˌlīn 

1

: relating to, being, or involved in a front line

frontline ambulances

2

: first-rate

frontline teachers

also : first-string

a frontline goalie

Synonyms of front line

Noun

• forefront
• leading edge

Adjective

• excellent
• prime
• superb
• terrific
• great
• wonderful
• stellar
• lovely
• fantastic
• beautiful
• awesome
• fabulous
• quality
• hot
• fine
• marvelous
• top
• classic

Examples of front line in a Sentence

Noun

These researchers are on the front line of defense against cancer.

She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor.

Adjective

if I'm having brain surgery, I want it done at a frontline hospital

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Zelensky’s assessment demonstrates the tremendous casualties Russia’s military is sustaining on the front lines due to Ukraine’s drone proliferation and development over the course of the war. — Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026

Welbeck led the front line to great effect, scoring 13 goals in 37 league games to eclipse his previous-best tally (also at Brighton) of 10 goals in 30 appearances in 2024-25. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Flight attendants, while still dressed appropriately and serving drinks and food to fliers, are also frontline employees during aviation incidents, ushering passengers out on slides or handling other emergency situations. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 30 May 2026

Submarines are a particular focus, prompting a robust response from frontline NATO states, primarily Norway, the UK and — for now, at least — the US. — Alan Crawford, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front line

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline