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.
This aside, HelloFresh offers delicious meals, and remains neck and neck with the top pick, Marley Spoon. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 28 May 2025 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic have been the two undisputed best players in basketball this season and have been neck and neck all year long for the NBA MVP Award. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 Opinion polls show the two men running neck and neck. Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025 After running neck and neck, Sovereignty edged out the favorite. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 May 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 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

neck and neck

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