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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of matchup
With the victory in the win-or-go-home matchup, the Yankees will now head to Toronto to face the Blue Jays, who held on to the AL East title at the end of the regular season.
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Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Many felt that this matchup of Fisher Division rivals could be close, given how the teams have played so far.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
As someone who was an assistant coach for a quarter-century before finally landing his first head coaching job in the NFL, Brian Schottenheimer is going to have his fair share of reunions, and the Dallas Cowboys’ matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday is no different.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent matchups: Loons head coach Eric Ramsay remained undefeated (3-0-1) against Sporting since 2024 with a 3-3 draw at Children’s Mercy Park in March.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for matchup
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Many felt that this matchup of Fisher Division rivals could be close, given how the teams have played so far.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
As someone who was an assistant coach for a quarter-century before finally landing his first head coaching job in the NFL, Brian Schottenheimer is going to have his fair share of reunions, and the Dallas Cowboys’ matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday is no different.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent matchups: Loons head coach Eric Ramsay remained undefeated (3-0-1) against Sporting since 2024 with a 3-3 draw at Children’s Mercy Park in March.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
Noun
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Eighteen nations are already guaranteed a spot in the tournament next June and July, meaning there are 30 (yes, 30) still to be decided.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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In 1997, the Shelby School won the Super Nationals chess tournament—and one year later, Rensch took home his first individual national championship title.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In early 2024, chief selector George Bailey effectively said Renshaw was viewed as the seventh-best batter in the country, having been in the 2023 Ashes squad for the opening two games.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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In the skit, a camera catches fans at a game dancing and cuts to the two who dump their popcorns, do the robot and then turn back-to-back and pose.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Historically, Goldman says bubbles tend to be driven by a specific innovation, investors pile-in, there’s a rush of capital and competition from new companies, which in turn pushes up prices and valuations, increasing systemic risks.—
Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
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With fewer insurers willing to provide insurance in Florida than in New Hampshire, there is less competition, which leads to higher premiums.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Military watchers play close attention to what North Korea chooses to show off at such events.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Oct. 2025
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CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The coaching staff will use Friday’s game and next week’s match against Belize in Bridgeview, Illinois, to begin the rebuilding process.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
11 Oct. 2025
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Though sportsbooks’ advertising spending has remained flat at around $666 million in 2024, according to Neilson Ad Intel, Kraus said messaging from sportsbooks is everywhere, including during games and matches, when commentators walk viewers through over-under odds and parlays.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Matchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchup. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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