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
Relevance
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
At the time, the match was in a dead heat with the third set tied 5-5 after Sabalenka lost three straight games to Pegula.
—
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
In recent seasons, the rivalry has been a dead heat, with each program claiming two victories in the last fourmeetings.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
As of today the Red Sox and Tigers have the same record, so if Detroit loses its series to Cleveland and falls out of first place in the AL Central, the two clubs could conceivably be in a dead heat for one of the last Wild Card spots.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Wednesday’s poll comes after an Emerson College survey released last week showed the incumbent senator and attorney general locked in a dead heat.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
In recent seasons, the rivalry has been a dead heat, with each program claiming two victories in the last fourmeetings.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
As of today the Red Sox and Tigers have the same record, so if Detroit loses its series to Cleveland and falls out of first place in the AL Central, the two clubs could conceivably be in a dead heat for one of the last Wild Card spots.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Wednesday’s poll comes after an Emerson College survey released last week showed the incumbent senator and attorney general locked in a dead heat.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead heat
Noun
-
This unique wrap top has sharp shoulders, pockets, and a waist tie to lend a flattering shape.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Maduro had cultivated deep ties with both China and Russia.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Not because this 2-2 draw at Sunderland provides cause for significant introspection.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The teams met twice during the regular season, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.—
Fernando Ramirez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dead heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead%20heat. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share