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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of down-the-line
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
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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The older generation, considered as staunch wealth preservers, are deciding to enjoy their wealth now rather than simply passing it on.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Pelosi, who wrote off the matter for a long period of time, seemed to back down on her staunch opinions ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The loyal throngs of fans that stuck around, even as the crowd dwindled, were duly rewarded when, a few hours later, Lorde arrived in the flesh to perform.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Despite this, its loyal fan base continued to grow, waiting for the day that the original SNK fighting game — which, to some, was a true successor to the roots of Street Fighter — would return.—
Jason Fanelli,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Lenovo faithful will miss the signature red TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard, and typing on the ThinkPad X9 is a definite downgrade from the usual ThinkPad.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Kirill is the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, a faithful backer of the Russian leader and an advocate for the war in Ukraine.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And hey, even the most devout among us can't argue with that.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The Kremlin and its far-right proxies now paint Ivan as a great statesman and devout Russian Orthodox Christian who laid the foundations of the Russian Empire.—
Dina Khapaeva,
The Conversation,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Though there's no dedicated dive shop on Anegada, many hotels rent gear to guests and can recommend charter captains who know all the best spots.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2025
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This tiny studio cabin from Allwood creates a dedicated space.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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