Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

third rail

[thurd reyl] / ˈθɜrd ˈreɪl /
NOUN
electrified line
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

His work involves what some view as the third rail of journalism: AI playing a leading role not just in researching, but in writing stories.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 27, 2026

“You can touch this mythical third rail and live to see another day.”

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 1, 2025

But it turns out that he might just be touching the real third rail.

From Salon May 23, 2025

In Iowa, however, attacking the mandate has been a third rail of politics.

From Washington Times Jul. 7, 2023

“Don’t you know about the third rail? Fry you up.”

From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia



Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training