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
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Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
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 result is some down-to-the-wire races in several major categories.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
One of the more memorable high school basketball postseasons in recent memory — highlighted with back-to-back, down-to-the-wire North Coast Section boys games at San Leandro High School on Saturday night — feeds into this week’s CIF Northern California tournament, which opens Tuesday.
—Mitch Stephens, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Mar. 2026
That stress and pressure presented itself in a down-to-the-wire finish.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 19 Mar. 2026
The result is some down-to-the-wire races in several major categories.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
One of the more memorable high school basketball postseasons in recent memory — highlighted with back-to-back, down-to-the-wire North Coast Section boys games at San Leandro High School on Saturday night — feeds into this week’s CIF Northern California tournament, which opens Tuesday.
—Mitch Stephens, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Mar. 2026
That stress and pressure presented itself in a down-to-the-wire finish.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
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The narrow win pushed Morocco into first place in Group C, all but securing a spot in the knockout rounds for the 2022 World Cup semifinalists.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
20 June 2026
-
Just outside downtown, this narrow stretch of former warehouses is now lined with markets, mom-and-pop shops and restaurants that spill onto the sidewalks all summer long.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
-
Because wells in the region are large and close to one another, restarting production will require significant coordination across companies and countries to ensure consistent pressure across multiple wells.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Adjective
-
Contrary to what those face-washing commercials from our childhood led us to believe, your skin doesn't need to feel tight or squeaky-clean after cleansing.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
-
That was a fantastic finish into a tight window.—
Monica Alba,
NBC news,
24 June 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 25 Jun. 2026.
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