neck and neck

adverb or adjective

Synonyms of neck and necknext
: 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.
By contrast, Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis have completed over 17 million rides globally—the most in the world—and 250,000 rides per week, neck and neck with Alphabet’s Waymo. Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Jan. 2026 The shots, scoring chances, forechecks and goalie saves were neck and neck through two periods. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 In a report last month, analysts at Bernstein estimated that Huawei and Nvidia were neck and neck in China, with each accounting for about 40% of processor sales by dollar value. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026 But the Stars and Wild remain neck and neck for second place and home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026 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 30 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

neck and neck

adverb or adjective
: very close (as in a race)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!