1
as in tournaments
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize
a chess match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in marriages
a union representing a special kind of social and legal partnership between two people
from all appearances those two have got a good match there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in halves
either of a pair matched in one or more qualities
I can't find the match to this sock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in equivalents
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value
for a wife he wants a woman who will be his match in every aspect of their lives
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in pictures
something or someone that strongly resembles another
Erin is so nearly my exact match you'd think she must be my twin and not just my cousin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in rivalries
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the discussion soon degenerated into a pointless shouting match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in complements
to be the exact counterpart of
does this handbag's shade of blue match my navy blue pants? the rare blood type that exactly matched that of the transplant recipient
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
as in meets
to produce something equal to (as in quality or value)
no one has ever been able to match that novel for its portrayal of the horrors of war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of matches
Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
The outcome of the dispute will depend on whether Campbell’s can prove the label matches in all relevant respects what’s inside the relationship.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Gillier allowed eight goals through the first two matches.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2026
Former Major League Soccer players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah have been banned for life for gambling on matches, the league announced Monday.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
The Iranian national team is scheduled to play its group‑stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
—Abraham Nudelstejer, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Competing in the Class 5A 100-pound division, Rodriguez (37-2) won first- and second-round matches at state before falling to eventual state champion Noah Kovach of Azle by majority decision in the semis.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026
Notably, the Qatar soccer federation (QFA) has postponed all tournaments and matches until further notice.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Continue reading … TOURNAMENT CRISIS — Republicans warn shutdown could sabotage World Cup security as matches loom in June.
—FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Anna Schecter, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Willard had also marveled on Saturday night that Pitino, 73, found a player who matches his intensity in senior forward/center Zuby Ejiofor.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Built on behalf of Space Force, the technology is designed to help detect disturbances to space systems in a geosynchronous orbit, which matches Earth's 24-hour rotation.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
The pearl color matches most home decors.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Follow the directions in the kit that includes a putty that matches the color of your flooring.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
Unlike past scams, the logos and branding often look authentic and the wording matches the airline’s usual communication style, according to readyjetroam.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
How Golden Retriever Life Began The origin story behind the account matches the warmth of the content itself.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
And while 64% of Americans say Trump is out of touch with the concerns of most people in the country today, that matches the share who say the same about the Democratic Party.
—Emily Guskin, ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
For anyone attending summer matches in the Bay Area, where temperatures can climb, that’s a practical way to cool down before or after spending hours in a stadium.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
The outcome of the dispute will depend on whether Campbell’s can prove the label matches in all relevant respects what’s inside the relationship.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Gillier allowed eight goals through the first two matches.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2026
Former Major League Soccer players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah have been banned for life for gambling on matches, the league announced Monday.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
The Iranian national team is scheduled to play its group‑stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
—Abraham Nudelstejer, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Competing in the Class 5A 100-pound division, Rodriguez (37-2) won first- and second-round matches at state before falling to eventual state champion Noah Kovach of Azle by majority decision in the semis.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026
Notably, the Qatar soccer federation (QFA) has postponed all tournaments and matches until further notice.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Continue reading … TOURNAMENT CRISIS — Republicans warn shutdown could sabotage World Cup security as matches loom in June.
—FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
There are multiple social media accounts on several platforms with a username that matches the gunman's name.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Willard had also marveled on Saturday night that Pitino, 73, found a player who matches his intensity in senior forward/center Zuby Ejiofor.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Built on behalf of Space Force, the technology is designed to help detect disturbances to space systems in a geosynchronous orbit, which matches Earth's 24-hour rotation.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
The pearl color matches most home decors.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Follow the directions in the kit that includes a putty that matches the color of your flooring.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026
Unlike past scams, the logos and branding often look authentic and the wording matches the airline’s usual communication style, according to readyjetroam.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
How Golden Retriever Life Began The origin story behind the account matches the warmth of the content itself.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
And while 64% of Americans say Trump is out of touch with the concerns of most people in the country today, that matches the share who say the same about the Democratic Party.
—Emily Guskin, ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matches
Noun
-
As someone who frequently spends weekends on the lake or traveling to and from children’s sporting tournaments, durable products that can withstand transferring from the truck to the boat and everywhere in between are necessary.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Brunner said business picks up when state tournaments start in February.—
John Lauritsen,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Carrick’s men have toiled in first halves against West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace, only to discover some attacking verve later in the game.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The tournament is divided into two geographic halves until the quarterfinals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But their television equivalents come out nearly every month, gems in a wash of pebbles, pouring unceasingly past.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But the website doesn't include generic equivalents that can be purchased elsewhere, often at lower prices.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The spokesperson also responded with names and pictures of several men from Los Angeles who have been taken into custody by ICE and convicted of serious crimes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
His Instagram account showed pictures of snowy backdrops and time spent with family and friends.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With the renewal secured, viewers can look forward to more high-stakes deals, intense rivalries, complicated relationships that have made the show such a standout.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Watch the All Elite Wrestling show with diverse male and female wrestlers and epic rivalries.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Benevolent Venus complements rule-minded Saturn in your 11th House of Friendship, encouraging clear agreements with your teams and friends.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The classic circular design showcases preserved purple blooms with natural texture and a rustic yet elegant aesthetic that complements everything from French country to farmhouse decor.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In 2014, the duo brought to the screen the epic story of Claire Randall, a British combat nurse who is mysteriously transported back to 1743 Scotland and marries Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser to survive.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The hotel's restaurant, Pavyllon by Yannick Alléno, is duly grand, with white tablecloths, velvet banquettes, and a menu that, according to general manager Romain Mervelay, marries French techniques with seasonal ingredients to please British palates.—
Abbey Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That’s where the drill meets the coalface, so to speak.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
January 20 – February 18 When purpose meets resources, progress becomes simple.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Matches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matches. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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