dead heat

Definition of dead heatnext
as in tie
a situation in which neither participant in a contest, competition, or struggle comes out ahead of the other the horses crossed the finish line in a dead heat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dead heat Forecasts rate Ohio's Senate race as a toss-up, and most surveys have it a dead heat. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 6 May 2026 If two horses hit the wire at the exact same time it’s called a dead heat. Neil Greenberg, New York Times, 1 May 2026 The most expensive Republican primary for governor in Georgia history is still a dead heat despite a staggering avalanche of ad spending and one of the ugliest intraparty fights in recent memory. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Thirty-one years later, another dazzling young Maverick finds himself in a ROY race dead heat with two weeks left in the regular season. Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead heat
Noun
  • Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The former donned a long black coat over a matching shirt and tie, dark wash jeans and dress shoes, while the latter rocked a white tank top with light wash jeans and olive green boots.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • After defeating Panama 1-0 in their first World Cup group-stage game, Ghana played to a scoreless draw with England before losing 2-1 to Croatia.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Cape Verde made history on Friday, June 26, after playing Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw at Houston Stadium.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dead heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead%20heat. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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