Thesaurus results for MATCHUP

matchup

noun

ˈmach-ˌəp

Definition of matchup

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

Relevance

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 Below, four takeaways for the business of soccer based on the Argentina-Spain matchup. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026 Chalamet has become a familiar face at Knicks games in recent years, regularly attending playoff matchups at Madison Square Garden. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 England take on Argentina in the second FIFA World Cup semifinal on today, and the matchup reignites one of soccer's fiercest rivalries, fueled by decades of history on and off the field. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 15 July 2026 If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup

Noun

But England knocked Norway out of the tournament after a dramatic 2-1 victory.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Talks were put on hold during the World Cup, with his focus on delivering for Senegal at this summer’s tournament.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

Haiti became the first team in FIFA history to qualify without having played one game at home due to gangs’ takeover of its national stadium and the violence in Port-au-Prince.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
More than an intricate game of cat-and-mouse, the crime drama plays on the tensions between nature and nurture while unpacking the dangers and vulnerabilities that come with loving other people.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of game

Noun

Any restrictions on player registration would not apply to the Premier League, but UEFA does have the power to limit whom Newcastle can name in a ‘List A’ squad for European competitions.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Griffin and Mahony first heard about the Canberra competition just after their wedding.

— Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

In the wake of Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in Wednesday’s semifinal match, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution picked several hometown winners of the biggest sporting event to hit the city since 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.

— Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
Last Month, Wilson endorsed Gilbert in an event that included a ceremonial passing of the torch.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Definition of event

Browse Nearby Words

matchlocks

matchup

matchups

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Matchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchup. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of matchup

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

accentuate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes