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
  • The narrow waterway passing between Iran and Oman serves as the main route for shipping crude from oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait to the rest of the world.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The fighting has severely disrupted shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime choke point that typically handles around a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Cuba has struggled to import fuel since the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, Havana’s closest ally.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Punk hit a big clothesline for a close two-count and then went for the GTS.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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