as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors
a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of down-to-the-wire
Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler won Game 4 through down-to-the-wire intensity and an inspired final stop.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Skokie’s election season did not end on Election Day, and a district trustee declared victory in a down-to-the-wire finish almost two weeks after the polls closed.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Skokie’s election season did not end on Election Day, and a district trustee declared victory in a down-to-the-wire finish almost two weeks after the polls closed.
—Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for down-to-the-wire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-the-wire
Adjective
-
Greene’s characterization of a ‘narrow audience’ echoes this.—
Matthew Carey Salyer,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Mona Jones said that was no cakewalk: The bridge over the Salt River didn't exist in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, was just a narrow two-lane road.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Sonic internet plans: A guide Here's a closer look at Sonic internet offerings: Sonic Fusion Fiber 1 Gigabit Sonic's Fusion Fiber 1 GB plan is the slowest plan option, but speeds are still fast enough for high internet usage.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
-
This is a beautiful fish, much more colorful and brighter overall than its close cousin, the bluegill, which anglers love.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Kick your legs in small up-and-down fluttering motions while keeping your lower back flat and abs tight throughout.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
21 July 2025
-
But the party was especially focused on reforming public finance, calling for strict economy in expenditures and even tighter limits on taxation.—
Joseph Thorndike,
Forbes.com,
21 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share