dead heat

noun

Definition of dead heatnext
as in tie
a situation in which neither participant in a contest, competition, or struggle comes out ahead of the other the horses crossed the finish line in a dead heat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dead heat Cornyn had been in a dead heat with Paxton as early voting got underway on Monday, and Cornyn came out slightly ahead when the two ran against each other in the March primary. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2026 The result marks a significant shift from a late-January survey showing the two candidates locked in a dead heat. — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026 Forecasts rate Ohio's Senate race as a toss-up, and most surveys have it a dead heat. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 6 May 2026 If two horses hit the wire at the exact same time it’s called a dead heat. — Neil Greenberg, New York Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead heat
  1. tie
  2. draw
Noun
  • The most fascinating quarter-final tie for me, given that Switzerland denied us an ​all-South American affair between Argentina​ and Colombia.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • González has witnessed the ties between Mexico and its emigrants abroad evolve over four decades, starting as a young consular officer in the administration of Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari.
    — Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of tie
Noun
  • For those who like to play the draw games with the gargantuan jackpots, Wednesday’s Powerball pull will be worth $434 million.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
  • Mary and John the Baptist draw viewers’ attention to Christ through their gestures and sometimes their gaze.
    — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of draw

Browse Nearby Words

deadheads
dead heat
dead heats
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Cite this Entry

“Dead heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead%20heat. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dead heat

Nglish: Translation of dead heat for Spanish Speakers

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