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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of down-the-line
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
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
Adjective
With the right coaching, there is some down-the-line starting potential.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
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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The older generation, considered as staunch wealth preservers, are deciding to enjoy their wealth now rather than simply passing it on.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Pelosi, who wrote off the matter for a long period of time, seemed to back down on her staunch opinions ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The loyal throngs of fans that stuck around, even as the crowd dwindled, were duly rewarded when, a few hours later, Lorde arrived in the flesh to perform.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Valladolid’s supporters have remained loyal to their team through the ups and downs.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Lenovo faithful will miss the signature red TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard, and typing on the ThinkPad X9 is a definite downgrade from the usual ThinkPad.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Kirill is the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, a faithful backer of the Russian leader and an advocate for the war in Ukraine.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As a devout Muslim, Abdi, 24, dresses modestly and wears a hijab, or, when shooting or walking shows, a hat or head covering.—
Courtney Crowder,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
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The venue will certainly attract flocks of deadheads, who remain among the most devout fanbases in music.—
Ethan Millman,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The monthly dedicated reading time helps her focus, especially to start off a new book on the right foot.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Though there's no dedicated dive shop on Anegada, many hotels rent gear to guests and can recommend charter captains who know all the best spots.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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