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

If truly transformational donors must remain a narrow exception because their philanthropy creates opportunities for thousands of students, say so openly and make that exception exceedingly rare.

— Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Glen Arbor to Traverse City On the Leelanau Peninsula, M-22 squeezes onto a narrow isthmus between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, landing in the resort community of Leland.

— Mike Norton, Midwest Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

If Trump does push ahead, his main cheerleaders will be GOP candidates in tight races this fall who are eager to market more ideas to lower costs before the midterms.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Broader cultural adoption driven by testimonials like Smith’s, and tighter clinical guardrails as physicians push back on unsupervised extended fasts.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of down-to-the-wire

adjective

Example Sentences

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