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.

This is a subtle but notable shift from earlier in the cycle, when it seemed like a Talarico versus Paxton matchup would be the Democrats’ best chance.

From Salon • May 20, 2026

At a World Cup where the unprecedented 48-team format has diluted the opening group stage, the matchup is almost a perfect storm.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Caitlin Clark checked out after a foul in the third quarter of the preseason matchup between the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings and didn’t return.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

In a national semifinal matchup against fellow No. 1 seed Arizona, a game predicted to be the showdown of the tournament, they walloped the Wildcats by 18.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

matchup

Example Sentences

Related Words