DOWN-TO-THE-WIRE Synonyms: 7 Similar Words

down-to-the-wire

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tə-ṯhə-ˈwī(-ə)r

Definition of down-to-the-wire

as in narrow

showing little difference in the standing of the competitors a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 down-to-the-wire The true significance of Pakistan's intervention only became clear when both sides agreed to a pause shortly after a down-to-the-wire plea from the country's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 12 Apr. 2026 Less than a month ago, the Lakers squandered double-digit leads against the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic in down-to-the-wire defeats. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 19 Mar. 2026 The tides turned for the Tigers after their first significant road win, a down-to-the-wire 86-85 victory over Texas A&M. — Ally Schniepp, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2026 The result is some down-to-the-wire races in several major categories. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire

Adjective

FinFET transistors FinFETs are transistors with narrow silicon channels shaped like upright fins rather than flat structures.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Instead of insisting on playing through pressure, defenders cleared the ball when necessary, stayed compact and protected a narrow lead.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Hours after the attack, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said authorities found the bodies of three of the suspect's close family members -- two women and a man -- inside of his home in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, a city about 100 miles northeast of Krakow.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Purdue cut the deficit to 34-29 on Ijeboi's TD run but couldn't get any closer.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

Covering outdoor spigots and ensuring doors and windows are sealed tight are just a few of the items to check off the list.

— Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 Nov. 2026
The surrounding gate offers tighter control over current flow, helping address the challenges of further transistor scaling.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of tight

Browse Nearby Words

down to the ground

down-to-the-wire

downtown

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“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of down-to-the-wire

adjective

Example Sentences

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