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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler won Game 4 through down-to-the-wire intensity and an inspired final stop.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Skokie’s election season did not end on Election Day, and a district trustee declared victory in a down-to-the-wire finish almost two weeks after the polls closed.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Unfortunately, for those of us who love down-to-the-wire drama, most of the major domestic leagues have very little to play for.
—Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Following her nose to a funeral where Arthur has managed to convince the dithering family to cremate rather than go with burial, Elsbeth has her most down-to-the-wire crime-proving moment yet.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Skokie’s election season did not end on Election Day, and a district trustee declared victory in a down-to-the-wire finish almost two weeks after the polls closed.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Unfortunately, for those of us who love down-to-the-wire drama, most of the major domestic leagues have very little to play for.
—Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Following her nose to a funeral where Arthur has managed to convince the dithering family to cremate rather than go with burial, Elsbeth has her most down-to-the-wire crime-proving moment yet.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
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The 2026 battle for the Senate Republicans currently control the U.S. Senate 53-47, a narrow majority that has nonetheless helped shepherd GOP priorities through Congress along party lines.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
-
The class approved in New Hampshire is slightly narrower than that sought by the plaintiffs, who wanted to include parents, but attorneys said that wouldn't make a material difference.—
HOLLY RAMER,
arkansasonline.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The figure surpasses that of the closest rival, China, which had 317 companies represented.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
10 July 2025
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But a closer read shows the linguistic dance that big companies are engaged in.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Panda flipped this model, embedding itself directly in the grower network and building tight, regional supply chains.—
Kasi Martin,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
-
Rodman pulled her hair back into a tight bun and accessorized with delicate pieces of jewelry, including earrings, bracelets and rings.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.
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