neck and neck

adverb or adjective

: very close (as in a race)

Examples of neck and neck in a Sentence

a neck and neck finish in which only a fraction of a second separated the winner from the runner-up
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.
Season 17 was neck and neck with last year’s Season 16 ratings in these demos, tying with its predecessor for its highest ratings in five years. Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025 The Rangers were neck and neck with the Senators in the wild-card standings at the time of this game, and New York had a 3-1 lead midway through the third period. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 The Tigers from Alabama and Columbia were neck and neck heading into Mizzou’s third rotation on bars. Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025 Aside from sporting the number-one team in the nation, LSU, the remaining three teams are neck and neck. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neck and neck

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neck and neck was in 1672

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neck and neck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neck%20and%20neck. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

neck and neck

adverb or adjective
: very close (as in a race)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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