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Definitions

matchup

NOUN
competition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
championship clash event fight game match meeting race rivalry sport struggle tournament trial
STRONG
antagonism bout candidacy contention controversy counteraction emulation encounter engagement jungle opposition puzzle quiz racing run strife striving tilt tug-of-war warfare
WEAK
athletic event concours do-or-die dog-eat-dog go for it go for the gold horse race one-on-one one-upping pairing off rat race
Antonyms
STRONGEST
peace
STRONG
accord agreement harmony surrender sympathy
NOUN
rivalry
Synonyms
STRONGEST
antagonism clash conflict contest duel encounter event fight jealousy race strife struggle tug-of-war
STRONG
bout candidacy emulation engagement game match opposition sport tournament
WEAK
athletic event one-on-one
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accord agreement calm harmony peace

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There is little dispute that the U.S. is winning the head-to-head matchup between the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Doncic’s was the second injury scare the Lakers weathered in the game that was supposed to be a marquee matchup between the hottest teams in the league.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

McGurn had a lightbulb moment about a potential TAE-Yorkville matchup.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

All season, the Trailblazers had been plodding along preparing for the inevitable matchup of No. 1 vs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

Fischer and Geller were to meet in the twelfth round in a pivotal matchup.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.