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.
The Georgia Senate race will be one of the Democrats’ most competitive in the midterm elections and is one of two blue toss-up seats. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2025 The Clippers are now the clear favorites to advance in a series that oddsmakers viewed as a toss-up entering the playoffs. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Cook Political Report in March labeled 18 House races toss-ups, eight of those seats currently held by a GOP member. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 The Cook Political Report once again positions the 8th District race as a toss-up in 2026 — one of only 18 races nationwide with such a ranking — while the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia includes the race among 19 with toss-up status in its rankings. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 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 1 May. 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

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