as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant
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Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
The first round was a letdown, but then came an instant classic Texas-Arizona State Peach Bowl, two down-to-the-wire semifinals and a big-brand championship game that wasn’t officially over until the final 30 seconds.
—
Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
The comedian and political host incised the D.C. affair with one-liners aimed at those in attendance (from their fashion choices to their general decision to show up at all), X owner Elon Musk’s odd/potentially terrifying salute and outgoing POTUS Joe Biden’s down-to-the-wire blanket pardon.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2025
While the coach spoke briefly about his heritage following the down-to-the-wire victory, he’s been open about his background in the past.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
In another down-to-the-wire process, the Treasury Department this week finalized rules for investment tax credits under the IRA that are more favorable to the biogas industry, following lobbying from both trade groups and members such as Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.).
—Zack Budryk, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
The comedian and political host incised the D.C. affair with one-liners aimed at those in attendance (from their fashion choices to their general decision to show up at all), X owner Elon Musk’s odd/potentially terrifying salute and outgoing POTUS Joe Biden’s down-to-the-wire blanket pardon.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2025
While the coach spoke briefly about his heritage following the down-to-the-wire victory, he’s been open about his background in the past.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
In another down-to-the-wire process, the Treasury Department this week finalized rules for investment tax credits under the IRA that are more favorable to the biogas industry, following lobbying from both trade groups and members such as Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.).
—Zack Budryk, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
-
Rubrik beat Wall Street’s expectations, posting an adjusted loss of 18 cents per share for its fourth quarter, which was narrower than the 39 cent loss expected from analysts polled by LSEG.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
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The historically narrow majority that Republicans hold in the House of Representatives means this opposition will probably continue.—
Justin Peck / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Coleman remains one of his closest friends in football and is able to provide insight into the formative parts of his playing and coaching careers.—
Simon Hughes,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Since Sullivan’s arrest, there have been calls for a state-level investigation and a closer examination of its safety net for children, including homeschooling practices, around which there is little or no regulation, according to a 2018 Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate report.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But Callender promises the plot didn’t suffer as a result of tighter purse strings.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
22 Mar. 2025
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As the film progresses and the soundproof, indestructible walls of the vehicle close in tighter, the look and feel of the film intensifies and continues to build as Hopkins’ William becomes increasingly psychotic, using the programmed vehicle to, basically, torture its captive.—
Rosemary Rossi,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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