split decision

noun

: a decision in a boxing match reflecting a division of opinion among the referee and judges

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web He’s also won his last three fights by split decision, so he’s certainly walked a tightrope lately. Josh Katzowitz, Forbes, 4 June 2022 With sports figures Kyler Murray, Dwight Howard, Clayton Keller, Jakob Chychrun and former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Chuck Liddell among those in attendance, the main card started with Brown winning a split decision. José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 7 May 2022 But better models, better understanding of physics, and better analysis of the original data may yet rule on this split decision. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 1 Dec. 2011 Despite the split decision, Board of Commissioners President Lucy Stastny was upbeat. Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2023 Yet those strengths are balanced by shortcomings that make that judgment something seldom seen in this winner-take-all movie world of boxing – namely, a split decision. Brian Lowry, CNN, 2 Mar. 2023 The series is a split decision. Helena Andrews-dyer, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2022 The Electoral Count Act says that a majority of both the Senate and the House may decide which slate of electors to count, but if the House and Senate render a split decision, then Congress is supposed to count the electors certified by the state executive. John Mccormack, National Review, 17 Feb. 2022 Paret won the title back in a split decision later that year. Elaina Patton, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'split decision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of split decision was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near split decision

Cite this Entry

“Split decision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split%20decision. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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