down the line
1 of 2phrase
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
: complete
a down-the-line union supporter
Synonyms of down the line
Examples of down the line in a Sentence
Adjective
a down-the-line supporter of the Republican Party
Recent Examples on the Web
Sam Warren, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
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
Francisco Lindor followed with a down-the-line single to bring another run for the Mets (38-22).
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
He shouldn’t be looked at as a replacement for Mike Evans, but he might be looked at as a down-the-line lineup replacement for 30-year old Chris Godwin, depending on how long Godwin plays.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
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
Francisco Lindor followed with a down-the-line single to bring another run for the Mets (38-22).
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Any preconceived idea that the 50-year-old might be a cold, straight-down-the-line manager who plays it safe has been dispelled.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Down the line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down%20the%20line. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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