as in staunch
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a down-the-line supporter of the Republican Party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in down to the ground
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of down-the-line
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Only the occasional decision — going cross-court over down-the-line, playing a drop-shot or lob ahead of a pass — went awry.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
After smacking a one-handed, down-the-line backhand winner that finished with the flourish of a flowing followthrough, giving him a break for a 4-3 edge in the fifth set, Eubanks held his right index finger to his ear, seeking more noise.
—Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023
The two engaged in a 11-shot rally that seemed to be over after what seemed to be a down-the-line backhand winner from Bublik.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023
After an 11-shot rally ended with a flawless down-the-line backhand, Duxbury sophomore Tim Vargas let his emotions go, well aware of his role in cementing the Dragons as state champions.
—Greg Levinsky, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
Adjective
Denzel Burke, Ohio State Like Alexander, Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Only the occasional decision — going cross-court over down-the-line, playing a drop-shot or lob ahead of a pass — went awry.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
After smacking a one-handed, down-the-line backhand winner that finished with the flourish of a flowing followthrough, giving him a break for a 4-3 edge in the fifth set, Eubanks held his right index finger to his ear, seeking more noise.
—Howard Fendrich, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023
The two engaged in a 11-shot rally that seemed to be over after what seemed to be a down-the-line backhand winner from Bublik.
—Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023
After an 11-shot rally ended with a flawless down-the-line backhand, Duxbury sophomore Tim Vargas let his emotions go, well aware of his role in cementing the Dragons as state champions.
—Greg Levinsky, BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-the-line
Adjective
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And if everyone involved is being honest — even his staunchest critics — Sanders has delivered in every way imaginable.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2025
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Musk, the world's richest person and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump, made headlines for offering money to those who agreed to sign a petition during the 2024 election.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Despite growing exhaustion, Booker remained steadfast, sustaining himself with only water as his voice grew stronger with emotion.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Despite the shifting sands in the content marketplace, Mayer assured the crowd of industry insiders that Blackrock remains steadfast in its Candle investment.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In fact, some clients have remained loyal for nearly three years without ever turning their cameras on during the livestream sessions.—
Melanie Curry,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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But the biggest blemish on his career in the eyes of Trump’s most loyal followers is voting to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.—
The Editors,
National Review,
28 Mar. 2025
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That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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With this deep mediocre array of right-handers, the O’s faithful will have to watch for incoming projectiles from lefty pull hitters.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2025
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This happening in the eighth century attracted a following of monks to the village and became a must stop for faithful pilgrims.—
Valentina Di Donato,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On the bright side, healthy lifestyle choices, such as a good diet and regular exercise, offer even greater heart health protection for women.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
2 Apr. 2025
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There is a good chance for strong, isolated supercell thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and a couple of strong tornadoes to develop across parts of north-central Oklahoma and south-central Kansas, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some of the negative comments on Stefani's post were met with pushback from other fans, who pointed out that the singer has long been candid about her devout Catholic faith.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
24 Mar. 2025
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Raised primarily by his mother and grandparents in a devout Catholic household, Dr. Gantes spent time under the wing of a neighborhood priest, who organized projects in small farming communities.—
Adam Williams,
The Christian Science Monitor,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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If experts at the institution also find the drawing to be an original Renoir, the piece will be included in its official catalogue raisonné dedicated to the artist.—
Francesca Aton,
ARTnews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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There is former New York Mayor and U.N. Special Envoy Michael Bloomberg, who is steadfastly dedicated to supporting innovative solutions.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
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