matchup

noun

ˈmach-ˌəp How to pronounce matchup (audio)
Definition of matchupnext
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

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 Game 7 of the Panthers’ Stanley Cup Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup with the New Jersey Devils. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 But a loss, coming after such an absurd, farcical process, and removing the possibility of a gigantic matchup against Spain or Portugal in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles, would be unforgivable. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Thomas’ flagrant foul occurred two days after the teams’ chippy June 22 matchup, which saw Thomas and Clark receive technical fouls along with three other players for their involvement in a scuffle during the final frame of the Fever’s 86-77 win. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Ahead of the March 2026 primaries, a February poll from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs showed a seven-point difference between the two candidates in a potential November 2026 matchup, with Abbott leading. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for matchup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchup
  1. tournament
  2. game
  3. competition
  4. event
  5. match
Noun
  • Cardwell has anchored the defense for a team that could contend for its second Summer League championship in six years after winning the tournament in 2021.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Captain Tim Ream entered the media area after the defeat, a shell of a man who had spent the previous days proudly leading the team throughout this tournament, playing in four US matches at this World Cup.
    — David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • The Red Sox and Nationals turned a regular June game into the biggest baseball brawl of the season after Boston hothead Willson Contreras completely lost it.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • The Dodgers are in the midst of playing 13 games in 13 days, and Roberts wanted to make sure that the Japanese sensation got a break.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.
    — Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Captain Tim Ream entered the media area after the defeat, a shell of a man who had spent the previous days proudly leading the team throughout this tournament, playing in four US matches at this World Cup.
    — David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The red card also carried with it a ban from the team’s next game — in this case, the Belgium match — but FIFA suspended that penalty and imposed a one-year probation instead.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of match

Browse Nearby Words

matchlocks
matchup
matchups
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchup. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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