A photo finish is a term used to describe a race or competition that is so close that the winner can only be determined by examining a photograph of the finish line. It is often used in horse racing, but can also be used in other sports such as running and cycling. The crossword solution for A PHOTO FINISH is MATTE, which refers to a type of finish that is not glossy or shiny. MATTE finishes are often used in photography to reduce glare and reflections.