by a whisker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Muller beat more experienced players to the prize in 2010 - by a whisker.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

With a runner on second and none out in the second inning, second baseman Edman knocked down a hot smash from Mickey Moniak, scooped up the ball and threw him out by a whisker.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

Allen finished third by a whisker in 13.09, which sent him to the world championships.

From Washington Post • Jun. 26, 2022

They tried it last year and it failed by a whisker, so now they're setting things up to pull it off in 2024.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2021

Sirius IV got in first by a whisker, it seems, but Aldebaran II was so close a second that it was a photo finish, and all the channels have been jammed ever since.

From The Vortex Blaster by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)