matchup

noun

ˈmach-ˌəp How to pronounce matchup (audio)
Definition of matchupnext
as in tournament
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize a boxing matchup that promises to be a sportswriter's dream

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 matchup In what should be a high-scoring matchup, expect FIU to make enough plays downfield to secure its first victory of the season. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Between the July and August polling, more states hosted primaries and solidified their candidates for November's general election matchups. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Tight ends coach Mitch Kirsch expects the group to create matchup problems. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 Joaquín Valiente added his first goal and a pair of assists for Dallas, which has scored at least one goal in 14 straight matchups with RSL. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • The Current star had a standout performance alongside her sister Tabitha, helping their nation qualify for its first Women’s World Cup by making it to the semifinals of this tournament alongside Cameroon, Morocco and South Africa.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, rescheduling work hours or sports tournaments, much like shifting crops or fishing practices amid warming oceans, doesn’t address the fundamental issues contributing to more extreme weather or reduce the overall risks.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • Keeley is all optimism in the buildup to the team’s first game — merely a friendly against Hayes and Yeading, but important nonetheless — but subsequent events threaten to squelch those good feelings.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In the Chicago Cross-Town Classic game between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox played at the Cubs Wrigley Field August 17, PCA was the star of the Cubs 7-5 victory.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • But as more money and bigger names entered, competition grew fiercer, pushing a drive to export the dramas overseas for more revenue — and use whatever means available to cut costs.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • While ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, helped spark a flurry of competition and advances for large language models, the same idea isn’t easily applied to robots because of their complexity.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Several schools were competing at the track event when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Another aspect for King Charles and Prince William to consider is whether to fold the Sussexes into private family events – such as Easter in Windsor or Christmas at Sandringham.
    — Max Foster, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • On Monday, Williams looked to be moving well in a first set that was understandably sluggish considering her lack of recent matches.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There will be live music, entertainment and even wrestling matches from Deep South Wrestling.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of match

Browse Nearby Words

matchlocks
matchup
matchups
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchup. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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