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
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
The Chinese tech giant partners with old-line carmakers like Seres, Chery, and Beijing Auto.
—Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 24 Nov. 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
Overall, the result was a success story that old-line competitors couldn’t match.
—Bhopi Dhall and Saurajit Kanungo, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
The Chinese tech giant partners with old-line carmakers like Seres, Chery, and Beijing Auto.
—Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 24 Nov. 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
Overall, the result was a success story that old-line competitors couldn’t match.
—Bhopi Dhall and Saurajit Kanungo, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-line
Adjective
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Often, traditional behaviors, expectations, and norms on the part of employers, industry, and even their own families hold women back from maximizing their career potential.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
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While traditional white pasta can spike your blood sugar, choosing pasta made with more fiber and protein, or pairing it with the right foods, can help stabilize blood sugar levels.—
Sarah Anzlovar,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Economy is a conservative talk show host, former head of Save California and candidate for California State Board of Equalization.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
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While in Jamaica, the Ramírez boys were sent to a very conservative private school to learn English and were punished for refusing to sing the British national anthem in morning assembly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Leo took part in celebrations for the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in the northwestern town of Iznik, alongside the spiritual leader of eastern orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
28 Nov. 2025
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Tinubu’s two-year presidency has focused on fixing Nigeria’s ailing economy by cutting fuel subsidies, engineering a return to orthodox monetary policy at the central bank, taming inflation, and introducing a new tax regime.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Old-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-line. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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