Definition

A method used to determine a winner when two or more competitors have the same score or result.

Example

In the tennis match, they had to use a tiebreak to decide the winner after both players scored the same points.

Conversation

Did you catch the game last night?

Yeah, it was so close! I thought they were going to need a tiebreak.

I know, right? That would have been so exciting to watch.

Definitely, a tiebreak always adds some extra tension!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tiebreak → It is formed from "tie" (from Old English *tīgan*, meaning to bind or fasten) and "break" (from Old English *brecan*, meaning to separate or fracture). The word "tiebreak" refers to the act of breaking a tie, or resolving a situation where two or more competitors have the same score or result.

Memory Tip

Think of 'binding' ('tie') and 'separating' ('break') to remember that a tiebreak is used to resolve a situation where there is no clear winner.

Visually Confused Words