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
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
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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Some conservatives who were formerly staunch supporters of aid to Ukraine began praising Trump’s more isolationist stance after the meeting last week.—
Nik Popli,
TIME,
5 Mar. 2025
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Ilya Shapiro, a senior fellow and director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, is also a staunch free speech proponent.—
Tovia Smith,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Many in the department remain steadfast that Mercado should be disciplined — or at least removed from the prestigious investigative unit.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2025
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The key is to recognize that while retirement planning has evolved with technology, certain fundamental principles remain steadfast.—
Wayne Anderman,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Retribution killings between Sunnis and Alawites The revenge killings that started Friday by Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the government against members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect are a major blow to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the overthrow of the former government.—
Sarah El Deeb,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2025
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Meanwhile, militants loyal to Assad have killed a further 147 people – 26 civilians and 121 security forces – SNHR’s director Fadel Abdul Ghani said.—
Eyad Kourdi,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This becomes even more true if a recession does result.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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These actions have been saving lives and driving true culture change, creating a safer future for everyone.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Duke phenom Cooper Flagg got a standing ovation from the Cameron Indoor faithful on Monday night in what may have been his final home game in a Blue Devil uniform.—
Ryan Morik,
Fox News,
4 Mar. 2025
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Vatican officials can be faithful to the highest standards of their religion, truly wishing to serve the church and the common good of humanity.—
Daniel Speed Thompson,
The Conversation,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick, $52 Ahead, find the nine medium-coverage foundations that have a permanent place in makeup artists’ kits (and in Allure editors’ hearts) and prepare to put your best face forward.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
8 Mar. 2025
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Quaid does his best, but the blankness of his character’s canvas is overwhelming.—
Gregory Nussen,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The filmmaker-actor will portray a fearless inspector characterized as a devout follower of the Hindu God Ayyappa with zero tolerance for corruption.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2025
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The pontiff is resting, the Vatican's press office said publicly on Wednesday morning, in one of its twice-daily updates that have drawn the close attention of devout Catholics worldwide.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Brave, defiant in the face of evil and dedicated to his lifes purpose.—
The Editors,
National Review,
3 Mar. 2025
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The late actor, who died last month at the age of 95, was unwaveringly dedicated to his craft, but found certain parts of the gig frustrating, director Barry Sonnenfeld recalled to BBC News in an interview published on Saturday, March 1.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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