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 The 39-year-old has led Argentina to the World Cup’s round of 16 and his seven goals have put him in a dead heat with Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot trophy. Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 July 2026 By then the Gallup poll had us in a dead heat. Chris Matthews, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026 The result marks a significant shift from a late-January survey showing the two candidates locked in a dead heat. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 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 See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead heat
Noun
  • The scene outside a district court just miles away from LSU's campus was the epicenter of college athletics, as the NCAA and SEC appeared in court to argue their case against athletes with NFL ties returning to college athletics.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • With the performances in the team’s exhibition slate being close and neither separating themselves in training camp, the tie went to how Howell performed off the field.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The decision to present Nico to the St James’ crowd ahead of the West Bromwich Albion Carabao Cup tie was inspired, perpetuating the positivity brought about by the training-ground announcement and opening-day Liverpool draw.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Balloon flights are one of the region’s biggest draws, and so the most reputable operators can fill up weeks ahead, particularly from spring to autumn.
    Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 2026.

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