toss-up

noun

ˈtȯs-ˌəp How to pronounce toss-up (audio)
ˈtäs-
Synonyms of toss-upnext
1
: something that offers no clear basis for choice
2
: toss sense 1c
3
: an even chance

Examples of toss-up in a Sentence

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.
The Cook Political Report recently shifted Texas into its toss-up category, from a race considered to lean Republican. — Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2026 Cook Political Report lists the race as a toss-up, while recent polling has shown the candidates within close single-digit margins of each other. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 There are two Congressional races in Texas that are considered a toss-up. — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 But the nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted its rating of the race from likely Republican to leaning Republican after Paxton's victory, and then last week, from leaning Republican to a toss-up. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toss-up

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of toss-up was in 1812

Rhymes for toss-up

See All Rhymes for toss-up

Browse Nearby Words

tosspot
toss-up
tost
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toss-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toss-up. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

toss-up

noun
-ˌəp
: something that offers no clear choice
it's a toss-up who will win

More from Merriam-Webster on toss-up

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for toss-up

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