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 The league considered traditional rivalries, competitive fairness and geography, among other factors, in making those matchups. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026 The the state's largest public education union declined to endorse in the 2026 matchup. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 The matchup couldn’t get much better, as Carolina ranks 30th in rushing yards allowed per game and has surrendered multiple 200-yard rushing performances. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026 Speed is everything in this matchup between two elite offenses who each know how to move the football. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • Over time, the company has aggregated a combination of destinations, tournaments, leagues and camps, illustrating how physical facilities can anchor a broader participation business rather than function simply as real-estate assets.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Second-round leader Haeran Ryu, who birdied her last three holes, still led the tournament by four strokes after a 4-under 68 and a three-round total of 17-under 199.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • For families Guests of all ages are welcome at The Shinmonzen, with a raft of amenities available for both children and babies, from baby cots, sterilizers, and strollers to kids’ seasonal welcome kits, pajamas, menus, games, books, and toys.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The second-year forward started against the Brooklyn Nets after missing the first eight regular season games due to a left hamstring strain.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • In the luxury market, lines like Seabourn (with its first expedition vessel, Seabourn Venture) and Scenic are the main competition for all-suite accommodations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Its upcoming industry competition should provide a clearer picture of the technologies developers can bring to the program.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Its arrival split men's professional golf, with the PGA Tour suspending members who competed in LIV events.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The incident does not necessarily indicate a fundamental limitation of the G1 platform, particularly given Unitree’s suggestion that the development model may not have been properly tuned for the event.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Daniel Gazdag scored in the 53rd minute for New England, which failed to extend its four-match winning streak and lost for the first time this season after being ahead or tied in the 75th minute.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Although Sunday’s match was a home game for Angel City (15-8-7), it wasn’t played at home.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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