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.

Alex Todd has scored prime seats to Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, the World Series and every New York Knicks playoff game this year besides their matchup on Mother’s Day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Almost nobody predicted this year’s matchup back in the preseason, when Wembanyama hadn’t yet reached the playoffs and the Knicks’ Finals drought was old enough to rent a car.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

There won’t be a better pitching matchup, with Julian Garcia of St. John Bosco facing Jordan Ayala of Norco.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

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

I was certain the children would be the ones to suffer in that matchup.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

matchup

Example Sentences

Related Words