neck and neck

Definition of neck and necknext
as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors a neck and neck finish in which only a fraction of a second separated the winner from the runner-up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neck and neck
Adjective
  • Experts believe the crown’s flexible mount was strained when thieves wrenched it from its display through a narrow slot cut by the angle grinder, according to a report by the Louvre.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • While investigators continue to evaluate the validity of the notes, some Americans may wonder if the Bitcoin address would be enough to find the culprit or at least narrow the search for the kidnapper.
    Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Moltbook’s emergence suggests that a future in which bots act autonomously is closer than previously thought.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Recent reporting has put a spotlight on Medicaid fraud and what can happen when large public programs operate without close oversight.
    Miki Kapoor, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Neck and neck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neck%20and%20neck. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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