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
While the Cavs were finishing off the Chicago Bulls this week and wrapping up the East, Atkinson stood on the court thinking about playoff matchups.
—
Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Houston has athletic size, and that has overwhelmed the Clippers in previous matchups.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Suzuki has put up the best offensive performance by a Canadiens player in three decades, is a responsible defensive player and has thrived in difficult matchups.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Astrology addicts, meanwhile, will get their horoscopes with a pop culture twist, with weekly cosmic predictions, celeb-sign matchups and zodiac memes.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
These are great professional volleyball matchups.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
In all three of the second-time SEC matchups that had beaten the Lady Vols, the margin of loss grew larger.
—Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Memphis won both matchups in January by two points, 127-125 on January 11 in Minneapolis and 108-106 on January 20 in Memphis.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Fanatics Sportsbook will have competitive odds and a comprehensive list of markets available for these Elite Eight matchups.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Houston has athletic size, and that has overwhelmed the Clippers in previous matchups.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Suzuki has put up the best offensive performance by a Canadiens player in three decades, is a responsible defensive player and has thrived in difficult matchups.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Astrology addicts, meanwhile, will get their horoscopes with a pop culture twist, with weekly cosmic predictions, celeb-sign matchups and zodiac memes.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
These are great professional volleyball matchups.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
In all three of the second-time SEC matchups that had beaten the Lady Vols, the margin of loss grew larger.
—Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Memphis won both matchups in January by two points, 127-125 on January 11 in Minneapolis and 108-106 on January 20 in Memphis.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Fanatics Sportsbook will have competitive odds and a comprehensive list of markets available for these Elite Eight matchups.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matchups
Noun
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Along with this change, the runaway use of transfer portals, major conference consolidation and realignment, and changes in national tournaments will likely continue.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
1 Jan. 2025
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After a memorable 2024, 2025 promises to be a year of more historic firsts and blockbuster tournaments in the world of women’s soccer.—
Neel Shelat,
Forbes,
1 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Many events draw attention to the importance of environmentally friendly lifestyles.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
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Listen to this article Communities throughout San Diego County will celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 25) with festivals, cleanups and other events to help take care of the planet, starting in local neighborhoods.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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With 11 goals and three assists across 23 appearances in all competitions, Diaz is thriving up front under Arne Slot and was the star player in a stunning 6-3 victory at Tottenham Hotspur.—
Gregg Evans,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
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Indeed, Pep Guardiola’s team have won just one of their last 12 fixtures in all competitions with Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa dropping the defending Premier League champions down to seventh in the table, notably below Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Matchups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matchups. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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