as in staunch
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a down-the-line supporter of the Republican Party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in down to the ground
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Recent Examples of down-the-line
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
With the right coaching, there is some down-the-line starting potential.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Denzel Burke, Ohio State Like Alexander, Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Only the occasional decision — going cross-court over down-the-line, playing a drop-shot or lob ahead of a pass — went awry.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
After smacking a one-handed, down-the-line backhand winner that finished with the flourish of a flowing followthrough, giving him a break for a 4-3 edge in the fifth set, Eubanks held his right index finger to his ear, seeking more noise.
—Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023
The two engaged in a 11-shot rally that seemed to be over after what seemed to be a down-the-line backhand winner from Bublik.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023
After an 11-shot rally ended with a flawless down-the-line backhand, Duxbury sophomore Tim Vargas let his emotions go, well aware of his role in cementing the Dragons as state champions.
—Greg Levinsky, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
Adjective
Denzel Burke, Ohio State (4th-5th) Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
With the right coaching, there is some down-the-line starting potential.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Denzel Burke, Ohio State Like Alexander, Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Only the occasional decision — going cross-court over down-the-line, playing a drop-shot or lob ahead of a pass — went awry.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
After smacking a one-handed, down-the-line backhand winner that finished with the flourish of a flowing followthrough, giving him a break for a 4-3 edge in the fifth set, Eubanks held his right index finger to his ear, seeking more noise.
—Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023
The two engaged in a 11-shot rally that seemed to be over after what seemed to be a down-the-line backhand winner from Bublik.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023
After an 11-shot rally ended with a flawless down-the-line backhand, Duxbury sophomore Tim Vargas let his emotions go, well aware of his role in cementing the Dragons as state champions.
—Greg Levinsky, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-the-line
Adjective
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Johnson’s selection came over the fierce opposition of some of the school’s staunchest supporters, who celebrate FAMU’s legacy of Black excellence, social mobility and cultural pride.—
Kate Payne,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
-
Greene, a staunch Trump ally, won her election in November in the critical swing state that the president also won.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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Some beauty companies, particularly those that offer a wide variety of cosmetics products, could see strong gains as U.S.-China trade worries ease and loyal consumers seek out their essentials on a budget.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
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Season 20 winner Noah Thompson found success in country music, performing alongside genre staples and growing a loyal fanbase.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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Brands can now measure interactions that happen across different channels and touchpoints, such as call center conversions or in-store actions—creating a true omnichannel view.—
Heidi Bullock,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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The coloration of light in this image does not depict a true optical rainbow as would be seen by the naked eye, but rather a colored representation of different wavelengths of light that highlight the instrument's capability to analyze various components of the solar atmosphere.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Alexander Skarsgård and David Dastmalchian Steve Wilkie—Apple TV+ Creators Paul and Chris Weitz are faithful to Wells’ first Murderbot novella, but there are plenty of changes that expand the book into an exciting episodic structure.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
16 May 2025
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The fact that Dolly was apparently so faithful for so long will seem to some as strange as if Bacchus turned out to be a stay-at-home dad.—
Casey Cep,
New Yorker,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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But the agents, at their best, will be working for us, not instead of us.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Here are 5 of the best Our best wishes on a safe start to the day.—
Quartz Staff,
Quartz,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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In 2023, Caviezel, a devout Catholic, starred in mega box office breakout Sound Of Freedom, produced by faith-friendly Angel Studios, and is next due to reprise his role as Jesus in Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
17 May 2025
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Local family members and friends know the new pontiff as a lifelong devout Catholic and former altar boy who makes frequent trips back home to the Chicago area, cheering for the White Sox and enjoying a slice of Aurelio’s pizza when back in town.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Single-day options are on sale as well, which includes an Ultimate Fan Pass for $499 on Sunday that gets fans access to a dedicated VIP area in Victory Lane, the infield, garage and pits.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2025
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Apricot's owner regularly shares videos and updates about the pup on her dedicated TikTok account.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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