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

Even with that stat, the odds of both teams scoring in the semifinal are virtually a toss-up. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026

The consequences to all this are real, and could impact toss-up races around the country. — Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2026

In other words, the Round of 16 matchup is widely expected to be a toss-up. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted its outlook last November for the contest from leaning Republican to a toss-up. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 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