as in competitions
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize
a golf tournament in which professionals compete against amateurs
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Recent Examples of tournaments
The expansion of the NCAA men’s’ and women’s basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams, starting in March 2027, has been criticized by several prominent figures around the sport, including long-time ESPN analyst Dick Vitale.
—
Gary Bedore
may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
In the past, Warren and Bianchi took any opportunity to go to Bianchi’s family trailer at Normandy Farms Campground – cornhole tournaments, softball tournaments, volleyball tournaments – and would spend a night or two nights just hanging out.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Namely, shorter schedules, fewer tournaments and more certainty.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
There will still be room for those stirring runs in the tournaments, though not a single mid-major advanced past the first weekend of either tournament the last two seasons.
—Eddie Pells, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Teams in its leagues play in Black Bear's tournaments, which are called Defender Tournaments.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 7 May 2026
The event’s organizers also confirmed that the 2026 slate will feature 24 men’s teams split between two tournaments in mid-to-late November.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
There are 65 tournaments a year.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
The 13, 14, 15 and 16 seeds over the past two tournaments have not won a single game in the round of 64.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Gary Bedore
may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
In the past, Warren and Bianchi took any opportunity to go to Bianchi’s family trailer at Normandy Farms Campground – cornhole tournaments, softball tournaments, volleyball tournaments – and would spend a night or two nights just hanging out.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Namely, shorter schedules, fewer tournaments and more certainty.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
There will still be room for those stirring runs in the tournaments, though not a single mid-major advanced past the first weekend of either tournament the last two seasons.
—Eddie Pells, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Teams in its leagues play in Black Bear's tournaments, which are called Defender Tournaments.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 7 May 2026
The event’s organizers also confirmed that the 2026 slate will feature 24 men’s teams split between two tournaments in mid-to-late November.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
There are 65 tournaments a year.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
The 13, 14, 15 and 16 seeds over the past two tournaments have not won a single game in the round of 64.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tournaments
Noun
-
The 2-2 draw halted San Diego’s five-match losing streak in MLS play, but stretched its winless run across all competitions to nine matches.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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The Lions have scored multiple goals in four consecutive games across all competitions.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
After losing the first two games of a first-place Palomar League showdown, playing poorly in the second game and losing by 12 runs, Mission Hills High School baseball coach Griffin Teisher said his team had one thing on its mind.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
During the all-day hearing Friday, the owners of both companies took the stand to give their often starkly different views of events.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Most days at Bluebird will feature free live music and other entertainment events.—
Michael Deeds
Updated May 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The first-year midfielder has six goals in 11 matches.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
The apex of international soccer will be on display this summer in Atlanta, but not everyone can get tickets to see the World Cup matches in the flesh.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Kerr’s 12-year coaching run with the franchise has featured four championships and a stretch of six straight NBA Finals appearances alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.—
Janie McCauley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
At the top of the team scoring projections and the timing board, the CIF Southern Section Division 1 swimming championships looked familiar at several spots on Saturday.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
See the results from the Indiana contests, here.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Latson averaged seven points per game in two preseason contests and has been lauded for her ability to drive to the basket.—
John Davis,
Daily News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
With impeccable restaurants, complimentary water sports, and villas fit for royalty, Belmond is doing Baie Longue right.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
-
Her tour doubled as a reminder to fans that the USWNT is not just successful, but culturally relevant, visible and, most importantly in modern sports, undeniably cool.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
But after entering the 2021 and 2022 play-in tourneys as the East’s 10th-place team, Charlotte was eliminated in the first game of both play-ins.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
-
They were eliminated from the SEC tournament Tuesday afternoon before some of us even recognized that the conference tourneys had begun, losing to Ole Miss, which was a 4-14 team during the regular season.—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tournaments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tournaments. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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