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 Similar to Democratic primaries elsewhere, the race was viewed as a matchup between a centrist Democrat, Lamont, and a more progressive candidate like Elliott. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 After the Gotham matchup, KC plays four straight games against teams adjacent in the standings — like Seattle (9th) and North Carolina (7th). — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 Kelsey Plum, who was recently traded from the Sparks to the Mercury, did not play during the first matchup against her former team because of a lower left leg injury. — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Her season ended early, thanks to an on-court collision—this one accidental—during another matchup against the Sun in August. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • But he was forced to apologize after his plans to form a subsidiary to run the tournament, which would have opened the door for investors to buy stakes of up to ​20% in a spinout firm, collapsed after widespread backlash across the sport.
    — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The departure symbolizes opportunity, even more so now that the women’s and men’s tournaments are sold separately.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • Instead, in their wake, the league veered far in the other direction, taking the finesse out of the game and turning on-court play into a street fight, with officials unable or unwilling to get their arms round the physicality.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With the standout performance from Pereyra, the Loons ended a nine-game winless skid in all competitions.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • After two jittery routines to start her competition, Claire triumphed with a stick to rocket ahead of Blakely and Carey.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • No away team had won in the previous 14 meetings between the clubs across all competitions.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Hundreds of people with stereo systems, disco balls, tents, kegs and mattresses left huge amounts of trash, set off fireworks and used Tunitas Creek Beach as a bathroom during all-night events.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This week, Cuba commemorated Castro with events including the International Book Fair, art exhibitions, concerts and gatherings of delegates from leftist organizations across the continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • If the game is level after regulation time, the match will go straight to a penalty shootout, with no extra time to be played.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Brock Lesnar's final three matches Per WWE records and contemporaneous reporting.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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