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 nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates 203 House seats as safely or likely Republican and 194 as safely or likely Democratic, leaving 18 races rated as toss-ups. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026

Another matchup of dual-threat QBs puts this one closer to toss-up territory on rivalry weekend. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026

The Alaska Senate race is one of five that election watchers have called a toss-up. — Lawrence Wilson, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Congressional District — which analysts across both aisles consider a toss-up. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 19 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