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 For the first time in the history of photo finishes a triple dead heat for first place is recorded, at Willow’s Park, Victoria, British Columbia. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 Even so, poll results point to a statistical dead heat between Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula. — Filipe Mendonça, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026 Stitt has endorsed Mazzei in the runoff, but endorsements seem to carry little weight as polls show the two candidates in a dead heat. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026 American Express Centurion Lounges scored 771, in a dead heat with Capital One Lounge, also with 771 points. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead heat
  1. tie
  2. draw
Noun
  • Perhaps more importantly, both justices have deep ties to the conservative legal movement.
    — The Conversation, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to Kingston, Hillenbrand’s primary driver in listing the property is to use the funds to expand the business, not to cut ties with it.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of tie
Noun
  • Tuesday’s major money Florida Lottery draw games produced two big winners who split one jackpot.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The size of the library is the main draw, but uTalk also takes a straightforward approach to learning.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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