as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant
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Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
Dallas fought back and forced a hold situation in the 65th minute as both teams prepared for a down-to-the-wire finish.
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Matt Guzman, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2024
Muhl’s appearance was brief in the down-to-the-wire battle, which ended in an 85-83 victory for the Storm.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2024
The last great, down-to-the-wire race for the scoring crown came in 2014-15, when Jamie Benn edged out John Tavares by one point and Sidney Crosby by three.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2024
The Detroit Lions hit ratings gold with their down-to-the-wire 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night on NBC and Peacock.
—Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 17 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire 
Matt Guzman, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2024
Muhl’s appearance was brief in the down-to-the-wire battle, which ended in an 85-83 victory for the Storm.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2024
The last great, down-to-the-wire race for the scoring crown came in 2014-15, when Jamie Benn edged out John Tavares by one point and Sidney Crosby by three.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2024
The Detroit Lions hit ratings gold with their down-to-the-wire 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night on NBC and Peacock.
—Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 17 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
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Shutting down the Department of Education requires congressional approval and with Republicans holding a narrow majority in the Senate, Trump's bid faces a narrow path forward.Erin Doherty, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
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Blackhawks express desperation but don't show it in another narrow defeat What's ailing the Packers in the red zone?New York Times, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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That’s about as close as this gritty six-part drama gets to Doctor Who, though.Matt Kamen, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
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In addition, Yorkshire county sculptor Steve Winterburn recommends getting close with a subject’s family and friends to help find characteristics.Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Other opponents, including Michael Shanks, a member of Parliament, believe the bill in its current form isn’t tight enough to prevent possible coercion or other risks for patients.Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
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The most notable deal on our list is a two-dresser nightstand that’s 70 percent off and is large enough to hold a few books, a lamp, and a candle, yet small enough to fit into most tight spades at just under 18 inches wide.Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near down-to-the-wire
Cite this Entry
“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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