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

The Cook Political Report ranked the Iowa gubernatorial race and the Senate race as toss-ups. — James A. Downs, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2026

The Cook Political Report and Fox News recently deemed the seat – long held by Republicans – a toss-up. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Recent polls show a toss-up between Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson. — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The Cook Political Report recently shifted Texas into its toss-up category, from a race considered to lean Republican. — Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 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