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

Senate elections in Alaska and Mississippi are still considered toss-ups. — Grace Manthey, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

The contest to represent the northwestern Ohio district anchored by Toledo was considered by the Cook Political Report to be a toss-up before the election prognosticator changed its rating to Leans Democrat a week before Election Day. — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

In Colorado’s 8th, former state lawmaker Manny Rutinel flipped one of the toss-up seats after campaigning on lowering costs and opposing the administration’s immigration crackdown. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

In the 14 toss-up races, seven Democratic women are running against Republican opponents. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 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