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

Games between elite teams are mostly 55%/45% or 60%/40% toss-ups, and contending programs like Texas or Georgia could rebound and win a title this year. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

But as much as the president and his allies hope that Biggs, 67, a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus, can flip the swing state, the toss-up status of the governor's race has evaporated in the Arizona heat. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 July 2026

The election in the 25th Congressional District, which runs along the Atlantic coast from Delray Beach to Miami Beach, is seen by all major independent congressional election analysts as a toss-up that could go either way. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Today, per the nonpartisan handicappers at the Cook Political Report, only 18 of 435 House districts are considered toss-ups. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 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