front line

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of front linenext
1
a
: a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units
also : front sense 2a(2)
b
: an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle
2
: the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity

frontline

2 of 2

adjective

front·​line ˈfrənt-ˌlīn How to pronounce frontline (audio)
1
: relating to, being, or involved in a front line
frontline ambulances
2
: first-rate
frontline teachers
also : first-string
a frontline goalie

Synonyms of front line

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Noun

Adjective

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Examples of front line in a Sentence

Noun These researchers are on the front line of defense against cancer. She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor. Adjective if I'm having brain surgery, I want it done at a frontline hospital
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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.
Noun
Britain has a productivity problem and SMEs are on the front lines. — Rupert Lee-Browne, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Moscow has had to move air defenses away from the front line to cover strategic targets across the country — a far larger geographic area than Ukraine has to cover. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026
Adjective
The state would also seek to add community health workers, who are frontline public health workers and who either are part of or have built trust with particular communities. — Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025 One of four college assistants to get a frontline role on Minter’s defensive staff, Bower will have an opportunity to work with what could be a very young edge rusher group. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for front line

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front line was in 1677

Rhymes for front line

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Browse Nearby Words

frontlighting
front line
frontline
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Cite this Entry

“Front line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front%20line. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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