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
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Recent Examples of matchup
His return would yield middling results — the Dolphins went 5-4 but lost key matchups to the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans — before he once again was injured, this time with a hip.
—
Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Love will try to change that recent playoff trajectory when the Packers (9-7-1) visit the NFC North champion Bears (11-6) in a Saturday night wild-card matchup.
—Steve Megargee, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
Each week, the coaches parceled out a few plays based off that week’s matchup, then built on it each week.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Shep’s will throw a Panthers tailgate party for the team’s playoff matchup, featuring a free taco bar, cold drinks and big screens.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matchup
Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Love will try to change that recent playoff trajectory when the Packers (9-7-1) visit the NFC North champion Bears (11-6) in a Saturday night wild-card matchup.
—Steve Megargee, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
Each week, the coaches parceled out a few plays based off that week’s matchup, then built on it each week.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Shep’s will throw a Panthers tailgate party for the team’s playoff matchup, featuring a free taco bar, cold drinks and big screens.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
Noun
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England play their last two World Cup qualifiers over the next eight days, against Serbia and Albania, but have already secured their place at the finals and preparations are underway for the tournament.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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The team is third in its group and cannot finish first to qualify automatically for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, or even second to get into the playoffs.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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After eight games, Lions Coach Dan Campbell opted to relieve Morton of his play-calling duties and take over for the rest of the season.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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The loss dropped Sacramento to 8-29, half a game ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference, while the Kings’ losing streak extended to six games.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Two years ago at the Winter X Games, Kim became the first woman to pull off a 1260-degree spin in competition.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The recognition places Atlas among the most notable technology debuts at the annual consumer electronics event, concluding on Friday, and signals growing confidence in humanoid robots moving from demos to real industrial work.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
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From comfort food classics to more elevated plates, several bites stood out at a preview event.—
Alexa Stone
January 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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British police said six people were arrested Thursday ahead of the Israeli team's match against Aston Villa in a Europa League match.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Lionel Messi’s first-half double ensured Miami would go through, all despite Luis Suárez serving a one-match suspension.—
Avi Creditor,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Matchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchup. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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