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tossup

American  
[taws-uhp, tos-] / ˈtɔsˌʌp, ˈtɒs- /

noun

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

  2. an even choice or chance.

    It's a tossup whether they'll come or not.


Etymology

Origin of tossup

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What we found is that over the past 35 years, it is almost a tossup when looked at in aggregate—but floating-rate debt shined during periods where interest rates were rising.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

The reopening has begun, and this should quicken the pace for a potential December rate cut, which is now seen as essentially a 50-50 tossup according to the FedWatch tool provided by CME.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 14, 2025

Political analysts rate the district, stretching from the outskirts of New York City into the heart of Nassau County’s affluent suburbs on Long Island, as a tossup.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2023

Powell noted in the press conference that it is a tossup as to whether the Fed raises rates or holds steady in September.

From Reuters • Jul. 28, 2023

It was a tossup what to do—the smart thing was to call the precinct right then and there; but I couldn't help feeling that that would make the Leopards clam up hopelessly.

From The Day of the Boomer Dukes by Emshwiller, Ed

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