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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Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
Some chains might have their lights off for the holiday, but others, like Dollar General, are staying open for down-to-the-wire purchases.
—
Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Another super-small spread (-1 for the Jags) hints at down-to-the-wire showmanship.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Given the precedent set by U.S. President Donald Trump for last-minute deadline changes and down-to-the-wire deals, that does leave room for the situation to change.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
There is always some down-to-the-wire confusion when high-profile companies are fighting for their financial futures.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Another super-small spread (-1 for the Jags) hints at down-to-the-wire showmanship.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Given the precedent set by U.S. President Donald Trump for last-minute deadline changes and down-to-the-wire deals, that does leave room for the situation to change.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
There is always some down-to-the-wire confusion when high-profile companies are fighting for their financial futures.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
-
Such a narrow margin means only a handful of disgruntled GOP members are needed to deal a defeat to their party leadership.—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
On that day, the moon will completely cover the sun for several minutes along a narrow path of totality that sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Over the years, Grey and Pollan have remained close, often supporting one another through personal and professional milestones.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The bus depot is two stories beneath the train platform and several blocks from the closest stairway.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The massacre prompted a national reckoning about violence against women and led to tighter gun laws.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
However, despite workers’ noticeable preference for remote positions, the demands of employers and a much tighter job market suggest many may need to adjust to the new realities of the marketplace.—
Victoria Baeza Garcia,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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