neck and neck

adverb or adjective

Synonyms of neck and necknext
: very close (as in a race)

Synonyms of neck and neck

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Examples of neck and neck in a Sentence

a neck and neck finish in which only a fraction of a second separated the winner from the runner-up
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Political analysts have shifted their focus to the Texas Senate race after weeks of polls showing that Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton are neck and neck. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Two players, Swedish center Noah Östlund and Czech center Jiri Kulich, were neck and neck on the team’s list. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Chestnut did not run away with it early on and was neck and neck with 2024 champ Patrick Bertoletti and James Webb through the first 90 seconds. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Both men entered the tournament neck and neck, with 13 previous World Cup goals for Messi and 12 for Mbappé. — Joelle Gross, NBC news, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for neck and neck

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neck and neck was in 1672

Rhymes for neck and neck

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Browse Nearby Words

neck and heels
neck and neck
Neckar
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Cite this Entry

“Neck and neck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neck%20and%20neck. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

neck and neck

adverb or adjective
: very close (as in a race)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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