neck and neck

adverb or adjective

Synonyms of neck and necknext
: very close (as in a race)

Synonyms of neck and neck

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Examples of neck and neck in a Sentence

a neck and neck finish in which only a fraction of a second separated the winner from the runner-up
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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.
Early results showed the two fairly neck and neck in the primary race, with Blakespear enjoying a small lead. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 So far in the 2026 World Cup, Haaland and Mbappé are neck and neck in goals. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 17 June 2026 Cepeda is polling neck and neck with the far-right politician Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer who has never held public office. — Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026 Both men entered the tournament neck and neck, with 13 previous World Cup goals for Messi and 12 for Mbappé. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for neck and neck

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neck and neck was in 1672

Rhymes for neck and neck

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Browse Nearby Words

neck and heels
neck and neck
Neckar
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Cite this Entry

“Neck and neck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neck%20and%20neck. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

neck and neck

adverb or adjective
: very close (as in a race)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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