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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Recent Examples of matchups
As a lot of you pointed out yesterday, there were some absolutely heartbreaking matchups.
—
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Counsell has spoken highly of Roberts and his ability to step up in tough spots that might not be the most favorable matchups for the right-hander.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
The Nuggets won the first three matchups — two of them by double digits — and the Wolves took the last game, 117-108.
—Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
This season, though, the Knicks won two of the three regular-season matchups, each by three points.
—Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Yes, there is familiarity in individual matchups.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Not only are the Heat battle-tested given this is the fourth consecutive year Miami has been a part of the play-in tournament field, the Hornets also lost to Miami in three of their four matchups this season.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
The Celtics went 3-1 against Orlando and 2-2 against Philly this season, with six of the eight matchups coming in October or November.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Seattle has taken all three matchups this season, with both of their goaltenders performing effectively against the Kings over time.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Counsell has spoken highly of Roberts and his ability to step up in tough spots that might not be the most favorable matchups for the right-hander.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
The Nuggets won the first three matchups — two of them by double digits — and the Wolves took the last game, 117-108.
—Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
This season, though, the Knicks won two of the three regular-season matchups, each by three points.
—Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Yes, there is familiarity in individual matchups.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Not only are the Heat battle-tested given this is the fourth consecutive year Miami has been a part of the play-in tournament field, the Hornets also lost to Miami in three of their four matchups this season.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026
The Celtics went 3-1 against Orlando and 2-2 against Philly this season, with six of the eight matchups coming in October or November.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Seattle has taken all three matchups this season, with both of their goaltenders performing effectively against the Kings over time.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchups
Noun
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Basketball, softball and volleyball players are accustomed to pool play and double-elimination tournaments with multiple games in a day.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
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With 80-120 active members and monthly tournaments drawing up to 80 players, the club thrives on human interaction.—
Sara Hansen,
Denver Post,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Franz Wagner, who missed 48 games this year with that mystifying ankle injury, finally started looking like his old self with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Apr. 2026
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This interactive balance board connects to a free app where your body becomes the controller, using movement to play engaging games.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The hospitality union represents roughly 2,000 workers at the arena, potentially disrupting one of the biggest sporting events in the world.—
Luzdelia Caballero,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Season 3 transports us five years after the events of the second season, to a new stage in our protagonists’ lives.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The show features 12,000-pound trucks pulling off incredible moves, including balancing on two wheels and flying in head-to-head competitions.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
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From new restaurant openings and beloved bakeries finding permanent homes to chef competitions and reader polls, here’s everything that happened in Charlotte food this week on CharlotteFive.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Iran’s religious establishment had barred women from attending football matches in stadiums for the majority of the past 40 years.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly said that Mexico has a security plan in place for the soccer matches, despite continued outbreaks of violence in the country.—
Foreign Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Matchups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchups. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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