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 Shaw gives Counsell another option off the bench, able to deploy him across the infield or in the outfield and play matchups late in games. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The team’s national TV slate is heavy with Atlantic Division matchups. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The Panthers’ first-team defense fared a little better against Houston’s first-team offense on the other field — the matchups were occurring simultaneously. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 This season Miles and the Lynx have swept the Wings in their four regular season matchups. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 All 12 of the Longhorns’ regular-season matchups fall on SEC TV partners. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 What began in 2019 as a competition for just four teams now features 36 clubs and 54 matchups in Phase One alone. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Some of the matchups were unveiled at Fanatics Fest NYC in July. — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Aug. 2026 Cornerback Marlon Humphrey, himself a two-time All-Pro, presented Jefferson plenty of challenges in their one-on-one matchups. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchups
  1. tournaments
  2. games
  3. events
  4. competitions
  5. matches
Noun
  • Large crowds gathered for the mixed doubles tournament, an exhibition headlined by Roger Federer’s return to Flushing Meadows and the singles qualifying tournaments, with admission to the grounds free.
    — Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In the Philippines, many time zones away from these major tournaments, fans organize watch parties for matches that often start after midnight.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tournaments
Noun
  • The Cubs and Brewers square off seven times in that span, with Monday’s victory putting the North Siders 7 games back of first-place Milwaukee.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Here is the schedule and scoreboard for Week 3 games for Orlando area high school football teams.
    — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of games
Noun
  • With household budgets under pressure, consumers are searching harder for value — shopping earlier, comparing prices across retailers and spreading purchases across multiple promotional events.
    — Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Signs quickly piled up at his roadside memorial blaming Bustillos for the chain of events and telling other drivers to slow down.
    — Jacob Sisneros, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of events
Noun
  • Both teams got their last live looks at their respective competitions for the backup QB job — behind Tyler Shough in New Orleans and Dallas' Dak Prescott.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The draw for the Doubles competitions will be held on September 1.
    — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of competitions
Noun
  • Myers spoke vaguely about winning and losing, while interspersing clips of Ultimate Fighting Championship interviews with fighters after matches.
    — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Balogun found his best form at Monaco during the last campaign, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, including a run of 10 goals in 10 matches.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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