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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Example Sentences
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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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While a tweed suit and ruffle blouse can feel a little stuffy and traditional, these eye-catching, glittering gold necklaces add a welcome touch of shine to give this look a fresh feel.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
3 Feb. 2026
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The Rose Bowl will remain a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons — and likely the four after that — holding down its traditional spot as the afternoon anchor of the New Year’s Day lineup.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Takaichi is a long-time conservative, closely aligned with nationalist and traditionalist causes.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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The 8th Circuit has a generally conservative ideological makeup, as the majority of its judges were appointed by Republican presidents.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fitness issues for Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto, as well as Estevao being freshly back from compassionate leave, left Rosenior with his orthodox wing options severely depleted.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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The production company’s development slate is highlighted by the action-drama Barney Ross, a story about the titular orthodox rabbinical student who, after witnessing the murder of his rabbi father, fell in with a young Al Capone and Jack Ruby.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Old-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-line. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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