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Definition of matchup

matchup

/ˈmætʃ.ʌp/
match · up
Plural:matchups
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matchup Lexical Profile

matchup Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A pairing of two competitors, teams, or players against one another in a game, contest, or sporting event, or the contest itself.

Example

"Basketball fans have been eagerly awaiting the championship matchup between the top two seeds in the conference."

2

A combination, comparison, or pairing of two people or things to evaluate how well they complement or correspond to each other.

Example

"The mentorship program focuses on creating a thoughtful matchup between experienced executives and newly hired graduates."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for matchup
Antonyms
View all antonyms for matchup

Word Nuance & Usage

The noun is spelled as one word ('matchup') or hyphenated ('match-up'), whereas the phrasal verb is always written as two separate words ('match up').

• Nearby Words

matchplay
matchpoint
matchstick
matchup
matchwood
mate
material

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Matchup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/matchup
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