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

Tom Brenner | Getty Images The most competitive races for control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm election may be toss-ups on the political map. — Luke Fountain,gabriel Cortés, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

All 435 House of Representatives seats are up for election, with 37 considered competitive, 21 of them toss-ups, by the Cook Political Report — a respected polling analysis site. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Various polls show the contest is a toss-up, while the nation keeps its attention on this race. — Carol Cain, CBS News, 11 Sep. 2026

Most strategists see the race as a toss-up, though Hinson is narrowly leading most recent polls. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 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