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 The Longhorns boast a 1-5 overall (1-2 District 8-5A Division I) ahead of a district matchup against Mansfield Legacy on Thursday. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 From when the trophy was introduced in 2006 to its replacement in 2023, Boise State won 11 of the 14 regular-season matchups between the teams. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026 In two Top-10 matchups in the final week of the regular season, Loyola hosts Mount Carmel — and Hersey travels to Prospect. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 Just don't expect this weekend's only top five matchup to be a track meet. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • Paige, who used to play in professional tournaments, pushes the putt only to be one-upped by her partner who pulls her putt to the left.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The combined company also has rights to professional golf, including the Masters tournament; National Hockey League; Major League Baseball and NCAA basketball, including March Madness, as well as European rights to televise the Olympics.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • YouTube Europe boss Pedro Pina, a fixture at these events, reminded producers that the platform won’t take work away from them by entering the production game.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Peacock streaming platform shares its weekly exclusive games on YouTube.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • The five-episode doc follows Five Guys’ global competition of crew members from local qualifying rounds to the ultimate championship.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Economist Thomas Philippon calculates that weakened competition costs the typical household about $300 a month.
    — Christopher Marquis, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • YouTube Europe boss Pedro Pina, a fixture at these events, reminded producers that the platform won’t take work away from them by entering the production game.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Her cousin, played by Azam Quadri, turns up without warning after 15 years away, and his visit brings back the events that once split the family.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Between the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the Roos installed a brand-new video board — just in time to host a watch party for what became a legendary Algeria-Austria World Cup match.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Inter Miami brought its MLS-leading team goals total to 68, and recorded its fifth clean sheet overall and first in 10 matches.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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