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 Lots of top-10 matchups between teams in close geographical proximity to each other. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Robinson and Uche get matchups against a pair of first-round picks at tackle, in Olu Fashanu on the left side and Membou on the right side. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Three of those feature matchups of teams in the Sentinel’s Super 16 Coaches Poll. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 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 Shough has been very good and currently ranks QB5 on the season, but this is one of his tougher matchups yet. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 The data dudes have created their place, and value, in every sport, and percentages direct possessions, matchups and everything else. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 Game 3 is Wednesday in Atlanta, where the next two matchups were moved to the State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Hawks, so more fans could attend. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchups
  1. tournaments
  2. games
  3. events
  4. competitions
  5. matches
Noun
  • Over time, the company has aggregated a combination of destinations, tournaments, leagues and camps, illustrating how physical facilities can anchor a broader participation business rather than function simply as real-estate assets.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Five tournaments remain for players to finish in the top 100 and keep full status for 2027.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of tournaments
Noun
  • The Kings won for the third time in their last four games — all on the road — after going winless over their first six games of the season.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • By running her streak to six consecutive games with at least three blocks, Stokes matched the WNBA postseason record set by Lisa Leslie in 2003.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of games
Noun
  • The district would install gates on its drives that could be opened or closed as needed during events and school hours.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The local police department is conducting a criminal investigation into the events leading up to the collision and the actions of those involved, Kinnan said Wednesday.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 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
  • André said the federation approached Concacaf due to the ongoing security situation in Haiti, which continues to prevent the team from playing international matches in the country.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There are 16 Orlando area teams still in the running for state titles heading into Saturday matches.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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