neck and neck

adverb or adjective

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

Synonyms

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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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The resulting combination spat out 349 hp and 391 lb-ft, enabling it to run roughly neck and neck with its iconic 300E 5.6 AMG forbear; Car and Driver recorded a 4.9 second 0-60 mph, and a quarter mile of 13.5 seconds at 105 mph, putting it neck-and-neck with a Porsche 911 Carrera of the day. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025 But exhilaration runs neck and neck with exhaustion. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025 Entering the race, Wakefield held a 36-35 lead over Pembroke but with the two teams neck and neck on the track, the winner would ultimately claim the title. — Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 The country was in the final days of a hard fought presidential campaign where the candidates had been neck and neck in national polls for weeks. — Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 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 31 Mar. 2025.

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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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