match

A sports game in which two people or teams compete.

• We won the match.
• She watched three tennis matches yesterday.
• What time does the match start?

How to use it: a match against someone (We have a match against the school team tomorrow.)

Similar words: game, contest

Common phrases: football match, tennis match, win a match, match against someone

A person or thing that is very similar to another, or has the qualities needed.

• This button is an exact match.
• We found a match for the fabric.
• The database returned several possible matches.

How to use it: a match for something (I found a perfect match for the missing button.)

Similar words: counterpart, equivalent

Common phrases: exact match, find a match, match for something

A combination of two people or things that work well together.

• You two are a good match.
• The cheese and bread make a perfect match.
• Their different personalities proved an excellent match.

How to use it: a good match for someone/something (This quiet dog is a good match for our family.)

Similar words: pairing, combination

Common phrases: good match, perfect match, match for someone

A small stick with a special tip that produces a flame when rubbed against a rough surface.

• He lit a match.
• Keep matches away from children.
• She struck a match and lit the candle.

Similar words: light, lucifer, spunk

Common phrases: light a match, strike a match, a burning match

Someone who is as strong, skilled, or capable as another person, or even better.

• She finally met her match.
• I am no match for him at chess.
• The young player proved a match for the champion.

How to use it: a match for someone (Even the champion was no match for her.)

Similar words: equal, peer

Common phrases: meet your match, a match for someone, no match for someone

To look good together because of similar colours, shapes, or styles.

• Your shoes match your bag.
• The new curtains matched the carpet.
• Do these colours match?

Similar words: go with, coordinate

Opposites: clash

Common phrases: match the curtains, match your shoes, match in colour

To be the same or equal, or fit together in what they show or mean.

• The two numbers match.
• Their accounts of the accident did not match.
• Check that the names and addresses match.

Similar words: agree, correspond, coincide

Opposites: differ

Common phrases: match exactly, match in detail, match each other, match the description

To arrange for someone to compete against a particular opponent.

• They matched the two strongest players.
• Our team was matched against last year's winners.
• Who will she be matched against next?

How to use it: match someone against someone (The draw matched us against the strongest team.)

Similar words: pair, pit

Common phrases: match someone against someone, match two teams