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.

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated in the much-anticipated matchup of MVP contenders.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

She will be Lauren Betts’ toughest matchup of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Now UCLA’s focus shifts to its next matchup.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

It’s the matchup you know Coby has been itching for since the start whistle.

From "Booked" by Kwame Alexander