down the line

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of down the linenext
1
: all the way : fully
supported him right down the line
2
: in the future
planning some further changes down the line
problems that might occur a few years down the line

down-the-line

2 of 2

adjective

ˈdau̇n-ṯẖə-ˈlīn How to pronounce down-the-line (audio)
: complete
a down-the-line union supporter

Synonyms of down the line

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Adjective

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Examples of down the line in a Sentence

Adjective a down-the-line supporter of the Republican Party
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Phrase
Johan Vasquez found Jesus Gallardo, who nudged it down the line to Quinones. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026 They can also be used to keep the satellite in orbit over the years, or potentially relocate the satellite later down the line. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Adjective
Sadly, there was no space for her in either the main categories or the down-the-line spots. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 With Sinner serving at 2-9, Alcaraz ripped a down-the-line forehand winner to capture the match and fell to the court on his back. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for down the line

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of down the line was in 1926

Rhymes for down the line

See All Rhymes for down the line

Browse Nearby Words

down the hatch
down the line
down-the-line
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Down the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down%20the%20line. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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