as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions
an old-line professor who still taught as if it were 1930
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Recent Examples of old-line
These firms had been the envy of the old-line investment banking houses.
—
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
More practically, people on Netflix’s side might say that further industry consolidation is inevitable, given changing consumer habits and shifting business models for old-line media companies.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
That has included a growing number of tech and IT firms taking their place, pushing off the likes of print publishers and old-line industrial companies in the process.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
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
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
More practically, people on Netflix’s side might say that further industry consolidation is inevitable, given changing consumer habits and shifting business models for old-line media companies.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
That has included a growing number of tech and IT firms taking their place, pushing off the likes of print publishers and old-line industrial companies in the process.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-line
Adjective
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Ken Heinz Hedge Fund Research That breakdown in traditional relationships reflects the unusual nature of the current shock, said industry veterans.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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Meals are usually served with corn or flour tortillas warmed in a traditional Oaxacan clay oven alongside a flight of salsas made from the 12 different types of chili peppers grown on the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The couple raised Christian and his two brothers in Haan, a small, conservative town.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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While Gruev has been dependable, swapping him in for a striker like Nmecha is, surely, too conservative.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Despite the revolving door of presidents, Peru’s economy has been stable over the past decade, with governments sticking to orthodox economic policies that include modest fiscal spending, while international companies have been encouraged to invest in areas like mining and infrastructure.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
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The orthodox Jewish school Shalhevet enjoyed a terrific season even though their longtime coach, Ryan Coleman, left for Milken.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Old-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-line. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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