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 Similar to Democratic primaries elsewhere, the race was viewed as a matchup between a centrist Democrat, Lamont, and a more progressive candidate like Elliott. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 After the Gotham matchup, KC plays four straight games against teams adjacent in the standings — like Seattle (9th) and North Carolina (7th). — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 Kelsey Plum, who was recently traded from the Sparks to the Mercury, did not play during the first matchup against her former team because of a lower left leg injury. — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Her season ended early, thanks to an on-court collision—this one accidental—during another matchup against the Sun in August. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 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
  • Instead, in their wake, the league veered far in the other direction, taking the finesse out of the game and turning on-court play into a street fight, with officials unable or unwilling to get their arms round the physicality.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With the standout performance from Pereyra, the Loons ended a nine-game winless skid in all competitions.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • Contrast that with eventual EFL champions Coventry City (48 in 49 in all competitions) and Championship runners-up Ipswich Town (50 in 49).
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Soaring temperatures are forcing drastic measures in Europe, where successive heatwaves are straining an economy already under pressure from US tariffs, Chinese competition and higher energy prices because of the Iran war.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Hundreds of people with stereo systems, disco balls, tents, kegs and mattresses left huge amounts of trash, set off fireworks and used Tunitas Creek Beach as a bathroom during all-night events.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This week, Cuba commemorated Castro with events including the International Book Fair, art exhibitions, concerts and gatherings of delegates from leftist organizations across the continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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