toss-up

noun

ˈtȯs-ˌəp How to pronounce toss-up (audio)
ˈtäs-
Synonyms of toss-upnext
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
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Higher electricity costs could dog incumbents Rising electricity rates stemming partially from data centers could spell trouble for the toss-up district Republicans as the politicians attempt to run on an affordability agenda against the backdrop of the Iran war. Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 His district, New Jersey's 7th, is rated as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report and is expected to be a top target for Democrats. Lauren Peller, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 Democrats won in a landslide in the 2025 gubernatorial election, but Virginia is still a fairly purple state, and Tuesday's redistricting vote seems to be a toss-up, even as the pro-redistricting side has massively outspent its opponents. Jahd Khalil, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026 The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates the 2026 Michigan Senate race as one of just four toss-ups among the 35 upper-chamber seats up for grabs in November. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026 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 30 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

toss-up

noun
-ˌəp
: something that offers no clear choice
it's a toss-up who will win

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