across the board

1 of 2

phrase

: so as to include or affect all classes or categories

cut spending across the board

also : in all areas or respects

considered an average player across the board

across-the-board

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈkrȯs-ṯẖə-ˈbȯrd 

1

: placed to win if a competitor wins, places, or shows

an across-the-board racing bet

2

: embracing or affecting all classes or categories : blanket

an across-the-board price increase

Synonyms of across the board

Adjective

• general
• overall
• generic
• universal
• common
• broad

Examples of across the board in a Sentence

Adjective

an across-the-board reduction in the state's budget because of declining revenues

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If no changes are enacted by that time, the OASI trust fund depletion may trigger across-the-board benefit cuts. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 23 June 2026

If an across-the-board benefit reduction happens, it would be imposed on the benefits people are receiving at that time. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

If Congress doesn't act soon then beneficiaries will see an immediate across-the-board 22% cut, which averages out at about a $500 a month loss. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 18 June 2026

For the 1 in 5 Americans who receive Social Security, that means a potential across-the-board benefit cut of roughly 22% unless Congress acts. — John W. Diamond, Fortune, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1946, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for across the board

• particleboard
• phonorecord
• underinsured
• abhorred
• aboard
• accord
• adored
• afford
• award
• baseboard
• billboard
• blackboard