toss-up

noun

ˈtȯs-ˌəp How to pronounce toss-up (audio)
ˈtäs-
1
: something that offers no clear basis for choice
2
3
: an even chance

Examples of toss-up in a Sentence

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.
He has been regarded as one of the nation’s most vulnerable incumbents, and is one of 16 House races called a toss-up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which analyzes congressional races. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025 Realistically, the talent gap and situational stakes favor Ole Miss heavily; this appears to be a tune-up for the Rebels more than a true toss-up. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 The Horned Frogs will likely be sizable underdogs at BYU, and Houston and Cincinnati should be toss-up games. Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025 The new toss-up district would also combine more liberal coastal communities with the rural, conservative areas that make up the current district. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toss-up

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of toss-up was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toss-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toss-up. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

toss-up

noun
-ˌəp
: something that offers no clear choice
it's a toss-up who will win

More from Merriam-Webster on toss-up

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!