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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
Unfortunately, for those of us who love down-to-the-wire drama, most of the major domestic leagues have very little to play for.
—
Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Following her nose to a funeral where Arthur has managed to convince the dithering family to cremate rather than go with burial, Elsbeth has her most down-to-the-wire crime-proving moment yet.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
The Quad 3 loss was the second such defeat of the season for the Huskies, who suffered a similar down-to-the-wire loss to Colorado in the second game of the Maui Invitational in November.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2025
So, what’s another down-to-the-wire finish for this team?
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Following her nose to a funeral where Arthur has managed to convince the dithering family to cremate rather than go with burial, Elsbeth has her most down-to-the-wire crime-proving moment yet.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
The Quad 3 loss was the second such defeat of the season for the Huskies, who suffered a similar down-to-the-wire loss to Colorado in the second game of the Maui Invitational in November.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2025
So, what’s another down-to-the-wire finish for this team?
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
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For decades, international philanthropy has framed Africa through a narrow lens: a continent in need, a landscape of poverty, disaster and helplessness.—
Victoria Philips,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Beach replenishment also is planned, but the narrow right-of-way through San Clemente includes no room for a second set of tracks.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2025
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And Tanner Scott, a $72 million reigning All-Star closer, has blown several save opportunities.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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For wineries accustomed to tight quality control, the conditions are difficult to navigate.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Trump’s new team, new strategy With Leo sidelined, Trump’s judicial nominations are now being shaped by a tighter circle of aides and outside activists.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down-to-the-wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-the-wire. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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