toss-up

noun

ˈtȯs-ˌəp 

ˈtäs-

1

: something that offers no clear basis for choice

2

: toss sense 1c

3

: an even chance

Examples of toss-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Various polls show the contest is a toss-up, while the nation keeps its attention on this race. — Carol Cain, CBS News, 11 Sep. 2026

Most strategists see the race as a toss-up, though Hinson is narrowly leading most recent polls. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Notable Senate candidates left off the list of speakers include Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, both running in toss-up races that could decide control of the Senate. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Republicans once saw a glide path to protecting their Senate majority, but Trump’s sagging economic approval and voter anxiety over war and prices have turned the midterm map into a toss-up. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for toss-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

toss-up

noun

-ˌəp

: something that offers no clear choice

it's a toss-up who will win