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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 Get ready for the prime-time matchup by downloading our exclusive Week 2 game-day poster. — Neil Nakahodo, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026 Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season opens with the first Thursday Night Football game, a matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026 There is a realistic chance that Minnesota’s first round matchup will be against the Wings. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026 The Seattle Seahawks have ruled out quarterback Sam Darnold for the upcoming matchup with Arizona, which means the Drew Lock party bus continues to roll. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • Clark made her first appearance in a major international tournament this month while helping the United States win its fifth consecutive World Cup championship.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Perception set up a dummy news site and created fake social-media accounts highlighting the tournament’s amenities, which included kosher food in stadiums.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • Spring for a scrub and a massage for extra relaxation, and unwind in the lounge afterward for snacks and tea to refuel before jumping back into activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and lawn games.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Toney barely played in the second halves of those games, yet Miami still leads the nation in yards per game, yards per play, completion percentage and first downs per game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • On September 18, the family of four attended an event for Athlos, Ohanian’s women-only track and field competition.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Related The upcoming installment of mystery competition show revealed the news in a video theatrically narrated by host Alan Cumming.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • The 268 rooms are spread across a collection of 17th century townhouses connected to the 15th century Olof’s Chapel, now used for events.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • My goal is to analyze financial markets by taking a longer view of history, and to give broader context to recent events.
    — Kelly Evans, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri, who took his maiden five-wicket haul in the first match, was rested and Zimbabwe brought in Ernest Masuku, also for the first time in the series.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • There are plenty of options for bettors to choose from on Sunday, but this Dolphins-49ers match could be a very entertaining game.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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