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

Based on Thursday’s changes, Sabato’s Crystal Ball shows 214 House districts leaning Democratic, 201 leaning Republican, and 20 toss-ups. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

The Cook Political Report currently classifies only 22 House campaigns and only seven Senate campaigns as toss-ups, where either the Democrat or the Republican has a genuine chance of winning. — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

The Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, where 19% of residents are young, is one of several toss-up races in the state. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

The battleground race’s general election between el Sayed and Rogers is a virtual toss-up, one of several neck-and-neck contests across the Senate map that could influence whether Republicans maintain the majority. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 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