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 Petey Halpin leads the Cleveland Guardians into a matchup with the Minnesota Twins a game after homering twice in a 13-4 victory over the Twins. — Data Skrive, New York Times, 21 July 2026 That matchup, however, was actually the final of three consecutive games where the star wideout recorded at least nine grabs for more than 100-yards and a touchdown. — Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 Woods will garner a lot of attention from offensive coordinators in 2026, leaving McCray free to dominate in one-on-one matchups. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 Boston on Monday announced its 2026 preseason schedule, which — as president of basketball operations Brad Stevens teased earlier this month — features two matchups with Brown’s Philadelphia 76ers. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup

Noun

The 2034 men’s tournament will be in Saudi Arabia — at a time of year that remains to be determined because of extreme heat.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The amateur tournament has become a phenomenon in China, attracting millions of spectators across the country – and making for a colorful alternative to the World Cup that hasn’t seen a Chinese men’s national team compete for more than two decades.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

That tournament in the past had taken place near the end of the tennis competition, with entrants somewhat dependent on who made it to the latter stages of the singles event or who was willing to stick around.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The states alleged in their lawsuit that the acquisition will substantially throttle competition in wide-release and top-grossing theatrical distribution and cable licensing in violation of antitrust laws.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

He was also sent off for a headbutt against an opponent who provoked him in his last ever match, which happened to be the 2006 World Cup final; his human reaction laid bare on the highest stage of all.

— Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The SummerSlam card, featuring major title matches, appears largely set.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of match

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 25 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of matchup

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vituperate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

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

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

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

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

Popular in Wordplay

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 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes