dead heat

noun

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 Stitt has endorsed Mazzei in the runoff, but endorsements seem to carry little weight as polls show the two candidates in a dead heat. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026 American Express Centurion Lounges scored 771, in a dead heat with Capital One Lounge, also with 771 points. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 This poll is slightly different from the July 28 TPOR poll, which showed Middleton and Johnson in a dead heat — 39% to 38% with 18% undecided. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dead heat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dead heat
  1. tie
  2. draw
Noun
  • Seven of the 20 largest donors and donor groups in CNBC’s analysis have major ties to the crypto, AI or online gambling industries.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Crystal Notch Baby Tee combines side ties and crystal details with True Religion logos.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of tie
Noun
  • The surrounding area has also become increasingly popular among billionaires, and in nearby Palm Beach, security has become part of the draw.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • An excellent choice for meandering to the city’s biggest tourist draws.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of draw

Browse Nearby Words

deadheads
dead heat
dead heats
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dead heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dead%20heat. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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