toss-up

noun

ˈtȯs-ˌəp How to pronounce toss-up (audio)
ˈtäs-
1
: something that offers no clear basis for choice
2
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 8-9 game in the NCAA Tournament is always a toss-up, and 9-seeds actually have an 81-75 advantage over 8-seeds since 1985. From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025 Considering how alike the two devices are, this could almost be a toss-up. PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025 This contest feels like a toss-up (as many 8-9 matchups do), and betting against Louisville (27-7, 18-2 ACC) in a game taking place in the Cardinals' home state is risky. David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 Zoom in: The current House map is tight, with fewer than two dozen true toss-ups. Andrew Solender, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toss-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toss-up. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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

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