across-the-board 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈkrȯs-ṯẖə-ˈbȯrd How to pronounce across-the-board (audio)
Definition of across-the-boardnext
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole an across-the-board reduction in the state's budget because of declining revenues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

across the board

2 of 2

phrase

as in overall
with everyone or everything taken into account at the same time The Oscar-nominated film received a positive reception across the board.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of across-the-board
Adjective
The administration turned to a temporary 10% across-the-board tariff on most trading partners, but on Friday those expired. — Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026 Those across-the-board cuts will happen only if nothing is done. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Phrase
Donaldson set career highs across the board as a senior at Miami last season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 It is projected to go insolvent in 2032, at which point seniors would receive a roughly one-quarter cut in benefits across the board. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for across-the-board
Recent Examples of Synonyms for across-the-board
  1. general
  2. overall
  3. generic
  4. universal
  5. common
  6. broad
Adjective
  • The general managers described Garcia as Sanchez’s husband and as a hardworking, dedicated family man who supported not only his family in New York but also back in his home country, Colombia.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Carr's connection to the job was through Bruins general manager Darrick Yray, an offensive assistant and an assistant director of football operations at Fresno State during Carr's prolific career with the Bulldogs.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • That could be a sign of things to come as the Rays’ first-round selection (28th overall) in the 2021 draft was playing some second base at Triple-A Durham.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The new Vista Point complex will add 193 independent living units, 72 assisted living residences, an indoor pool, performing arts auditorium, art studio and more, and ultimately will boost Fairview’s overall population to nearly 600.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of overall
Adjective
  • Svelte white waitresses in generic Asian garb swirled around us.
    — Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
  • When manual work is spread across disconnected systems, inconsistent data and unclear ownership, adding a generic AI tool without a clear discovery process rarely produces results.
    — Mia Urman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • The review was criticized at the time for comparing the United States to Denmark, a much smaller county that provides universal health care to its citizens.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Employers should cease auditing health, design for fluctuation, ensure default accessibility, and cover costs, recognizing that universal access benefits everyone and retains talent.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of universal
Adjective
  • The most common type of vessel to travel through the strait was the product tanker, which typically transports refined petroleum products.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Medicaid was meant to provide health care to the vulnerable — a pregnant mother, a disabled father, a poor child — but the most common new enrollee of the past decade has been an able-bodied adult.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of common
Adjective
  • Together, the setbacks also highlight a broader challenge for Taiwan, which is developing a layered defense system while drone technology evolves faster than traditional military procurement programmes can adapt.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The ruling follows a broader shift toward rethinking the purpose of cash bail, mirroring larger criminal justice reforms in the state over the past decade or more.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad

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Cite this Entry

“Across-the-board.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/across-the-board. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on across-the-board

Nglish: Translation of across-the-board for Spanish Speakers

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