as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions
an old-line professor who still taught as if it were 1930
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 old-line
Among the festival organizers, Yarrow was an advocate for the topical songwriting and contemporary sounds that some old-line folk aficionados resisted.
—
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Her main opponent is expected to be Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia), 74, who is considered a more mainstream, old-line Democratic figure.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, the old-line producers knew how to tap into the classic novels of Dickens or Steinbeck to spin out great stories with legendary stars.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024
Overall, the result was a success story that old-line competitors couldn’t match.
—Bhopi Dhall and Saurajit Kanungo, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Trump would also face a Congress less inclined to impose such constraints, having established ideological mastery of the Republican Party, whose old-line elites can no longer claim that his agenda is aberrant and must be resisted.
—Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2024
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Her main opponent is expected to be Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia), 74, who is considered a more mainstream, old-line Democratic figure.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, the old-line producers knew how to tap into the classic novels of Dickens or Steinbeck to spin out great stories with legendary stars.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024
Overall, the result was a success story that old-line competitors couldn’t match.
—Bhopi Dhall and Saurajit Kanungo, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Trump would also face a Congress less inclined to impose such constraints, having established ideological mastery of the Republican Party, whose old-line elites can no longer claim that his agenda is aberrant and must be resisted.
—Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-line
Adjective
-
This more traditional system is where Tottenham have ended up.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, identity categories have become more fluid, and traditional sources of authority — religion, education, government — are more likely to be contested or distrusted.—
Christopher P. Scheitle,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While some among Democrats cast him as the party’s national leader and a natural choice for their 2028 nominee, conservative critics point to his past controversies, including other pay-for-play stories.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
-
After working as a speechwriter in former President Ronald Reagan's administration, Ingraham pursued a law degree and became a conservative media darling.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And even though the military is short of manpower, the government refuses to draft ultra-orthodox men, whose religious political parties are key to the Netanyahu coalition.—
Ron Scherf,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Traditional music and Kolo dancing by Prazna Flasa Tambura, the Ansambl Sokoli, the Seoske Dame singers, and DJ Dex, with a presentation from Parish Priest, Father Milos Zivkovic on orthodox religious traditions and specialty vendors with music, books, jewelry, and icons for sale.—
Gina Grillo,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Old-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-line. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share