tossup

[ taws-uhp, tos- ]

/ ˈtɔsˌʌp, ˈtɒs- /

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See synonyms for tossup on Thesaurus.com

noun

the tossing of a coin to decide something by its fall.

an even choice or chance: It's a tossup whether they'll come or not.

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Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of tossup

First recorded in 1740–50; noun use of verb phrase toss up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tossup in a sentence

The Kentucky Senate race is rated a toss-up, but most insiders think McConnell has it.
And Now Mitch McConnell Is the ‘Pro-Woman’ Candidate!|Eleanor Clift|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The race is considered a toss-up by outside observers and is expected to go down to the wire.
The Great Gay Republican Congressional Hope of 2014 Is Dimming|Ben Jacobs|September 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Last week, the Cook Political Report moved the November contest from a likely Republican win to a pure toss-up.
Sam Brownback’s Kansas Catastrophe|Patricia Murphy|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Dramatic population shifts put Georgia on the path to joining North Carolina and Virginia in the electoral toss-up column.
A Carter Could Turn Georgia Blue|Patricia Murphy|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Colorado is still a swing state and, at best, will be a toss up for the GOP in November.
Colorado Senate Race Becomes Competitive For GOP|Ben Jacobs|February 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A pure toss up whether he pulls round or not; luckily he has a frame of iron.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
Then, unconsciously plagiarising Parpon: "Prince or barber—a toss-up!"
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete|Gilbert Parker
No; but you must go over nine months, and toss up which time or place you may select.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
It is just a toss-up which gets it; they grab simultaneously, but their fingers close on empty water.
Round the Wonderful World|G. E. Mitton
It is a toss-up whether there is to be any happiness in the venture.
Queensland Cousins|Eleanor Luisa Haverfield

British Dictionary definitions for tossup

toss up

verb (adverb)

to spin (a coin) in the air in order to decide between alternatives by guessing which side will fall uppermost

(tr) to prepare (food) quickly

noun toss-up

an instance of tossing up a coin

informal an even chance or risk; gamble

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

tossup

Origin of tossup

Words related to tossup

How to use tossup in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tossup