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Definition of tossup

tossup

/ˈtɔːsˌʌp/
toss · up
Plural:tossups
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tossup Lexical Profile

tossup Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A situation, contest, or choice in which two or more outcomes are equally likely or desirable, making the result impossible to predict.

Example

"With both candidates polling at exactly forty-eight percent, the upcoming election is a complete tossup."

2

The act of flipping a coin in the air to decide something by chance.

Example

"The referees settled the choice of which team would kick off first with a quick tossup at midfield."

3

American In quiz bowl and academic competitions, a question open to all players on either team who buzz in first, often unlocking a subsequent bonus question.

Example

"She buzzed in early on the history tossup to secure the lead for her school's quiz bowl team."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

tosh
toss
tosser
tossup
tostada
tot
totable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century as a nominalization of the phrasal verb "toss up," originally referring to the flipping of a coin in the air to settle a bet or make a random choice.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tossup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tossup
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