down-to-the-wire

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tə-ṯhə-ˈwī(-ə)r

Synonyms of down-to-the-wire next

: full of suspense

especially : unsettled until the very end

Examples of down-to-the-wire in a Sentence

a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

In another down-to-the-wire process, the Treasury Department this week finalized rules for investment tax credits under the IRA that are more favorable to the biogas industry, following lobbying from both trade groups and members such as Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.). —

Zack Budryk, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024 Behind another 100-plus medal performance and a down-to-the-wire race for the most gold medals are tentacles that stretch from the most hallowed academic halls to the after-school recreation program at the local YMCA. —

Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 11 Aug. 2024 One is that Trump and Harris are truly fighting for every last vote, in what is perhaps the most down-to-the-wire presidential race in modern US history. —

Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris’ and former President Donald Trump’s campaigns are in a down-to-the-wire blitz to mobilize voters ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5. —

Terry Moseley, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of down-to-the-wire was in 1930

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near down-to-the-wire

down to the smallest/last/tiniest detail

down-to-the-wire

downtown

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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