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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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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Part of Trump’s plan openly involves relocating Palestinians to two staunch U.S. allies with formidable military capabilities — Egypt and Jordan.—
John Weaver,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Feb. 2025
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Attempts to cast him as a staunch proponent of American restraint or opponent of corporate greed do not reflect his pre-political career, never fit his first-term policies, and don’t describe his current ones.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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In the meantime, colleges should remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law—principles that have long guided American higher education.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In Trump’s Washington, that title belongs to a different kind of creature: the ferociously loyal, hard-right, pro-Trump influencer.—
Eric Cortellessa,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
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Focus on building an engaged audience that trusts your brand, as this trust is key to converting followers into loyal customers.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Some may worry that setting back your thermostats could end up costing more money, based on the common misconception that furnaces work harder to warm a space back up — but experts say that’s not true.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2025
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First, throughout the world women outperform men in educational settings, outnumbering in the vast majority of academic degrees (including MBAs) and outscoring them on standardized assessments and GPA (same is true for primary and secondary school).—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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So what if this futuristic action flick isn't exactly faithful to the '82 King book (written as Richard Bachman)?—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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And at the Vatican on Wednesday, Holy Year pilgrimages continued, with groups of faithful walking through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on a chilly and cloudy day.—
NICOLE WINFIELD,
arkansasonline.com,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Arquette's performance is more simple but just as effective, giving hope and soul to a divorced single mom trying to do her best for her kids but with a tendency to bring home the wrong guys.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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While The Penguin, a spinoff of Reeves’ Batman that continues to steal award after award (on Sunday, star Colin Farrell won the SAG Award for best actor in a limited series), there seems to be no plan for a follow-up.—
Borys Kit,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Fields, on the other hand, seems to be actively encouraging the love between Irving and Burt’s innies to blossom, due to his devout religious beliefs, which frame innies as separate entities with their own souls.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There are also a few gems that clearly paint Holland as a dedicated animal owner, like a nose and paw balm, a deodorizing spray and a combing brush for dogs.—
Maya Gandara,
StyleCaster,
19 Feb. 2025
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There will be a space for clinic services provided by Shelter Health Network and a dedicated play space for children.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-the-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-the-line. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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