matchups

noun

plural of matchup
as in tournaments
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 matchups Slowik used tight end Greg Dulcich more because the Dolphins liked those matchups against the Jets defense. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 When the three networks divided up the Big Ten’s TV games last spring, Byczek said NBC also zeroed in on that game, as well as USC’s matchups with Ohio State and Penn State, knowing both would fit well featured in prime time. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Once seeding is finalized and announced, the brackets will be updated with matchups in all eight classifications. — Caitlyn Stroh-Page, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Miami is 11-16 all-time against UNC and has lost its last five matchups with the Tar Heels. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Here’s a look at some of the best nonconference matchups taking place in November and December. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Women's college basketball never fails to disappoint, with marquee matchups way before March Madness begins. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Alongside Randle and Ellis, the job includes finding favorable matchups as a possession develops. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 Which would mean a smaller playoff again, a far more popular configuration with fans anyway, and the potential for even more media revenue thanks to higher-profile matchups. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchups
  1. tournaments
  2. games
  3. events
  4. competitions
  5. matches
Noun
  • Facts and figures Izzo has led the team to 28 straight NCAA tournaments, the longest streak by a coach in college basketball history.
    — Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Over the last several years, Osaka’s used her on-court style to reflect her personality, working in tandem with designers like Kevin Germanier, Who Decides War and Robert Wun for the grand slam tournaments during the 2026 season.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of tournaments
Noun
  • The decision to suspend the football program eliminated last week’s set of games and another this week.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • However, Witt still posted an All-Star season despite missing 19 games with back tightness and a right knee sprain.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of games
Noun
  • Rob Sand, the nominee for governor, was holding several events across the state.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Trump canceled his plans to attend campaign events in person earlier in the week but later reversed course, opting to continue his nationwide campaign for Republicans.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of events
Noun
  • Victory extended Villa’s outstanding recent run to six wins from seven games in all competitions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Factor in other domestic competitions, and Belenenses has seven trophies in total, which is tied for the fifth-most in the nation.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of competitions
Noun
  • That money was brought in largely by the 680,000 visitors that parachuted into KC for the four international teams that held base camps here, and of course the six matches at Arrowhead Stadium.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But World Cup momentum drove results across linear TV and streamer ViX in Mexico, where TelevisaUnivision had rights to the matches.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of matches

Browse Nearby Words

matchup
matchups
mate
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Cite this Entry

“Matchups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchups. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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