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 Trump had been set to visit Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa when Alabama hosts Georgia in a Top 10 matchup, following an afternoon rally in Tennessee. — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 This matchup also continues the trend of facing potential NFL draft picks at quarterback, as the Knights prepare to go against OSU’s Drew Mestemaker. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Swept in a best-of-five postseason matchup for the first time since the 1980 ALCS against Kansas City, the Yankees ended their 17th straight season without a World Series crown. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Game 4 is Thursday in Chicago, with the White Sox leading 2-1 in the best-of-five matchup. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • Paige, who used to play in professional tournaments, pushes the putt only to be one-upped by her partner who pulls her putt to the left.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The combined company also has rights to professional golf, including the Masters tournament; National Hockey League; Major League Baseball and NCAA basketball, including March Madness, as well as European rights to televise the Olympics.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • As the day winds down, get cozy in the living room for a game of cards and a glass of South African wine, or watch the sun set from the stone terrace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Even Jeff, post-premiere, has been a delight, just kind of letting the game play out and not foisting metaphors upon us at Tribal Council.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • There’s a lot more competition now, especially with the celebrity beauty brands and the indie or niche brands that are blowing up on TikTok, which is a super popular platform for discovering new beauty products.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The report singles out Japan, women’s competitions and homegrown stars as the areas most likely to draw competing bids.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Forty years later, adult Calvin (Josh Hartnett) is still haunted by the event.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Between the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the Roos installed a brand-new video board — just in time to host a watch party for what became a legendary Algeria-Austria World Cup match.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Inter Miami brought its MLS-leading team goals total to 68, and recorded its fifth clean sheet overall and first in 10 matches.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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