a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is used to light a fire, a contest in which people or teams compete against each other in a particular sport, a person or thing that is equal to another in some way

go up in flames/smoke, a tall order, a perfect storm

make a match, a perfect match, a mismatch

Formal and Informal Expressions of match

In different contexts, you can replace 'match' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'equal, peer' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'buddy, pal' is a commonplace synonym.

match: Explore its Definition & Usage

match Definition

1a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is used to light a fire
2a contest in which people or teams compete against each other in a particular sport
3a person or thing that is equal to another in some way

Using match: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "match" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I can't find the matches to light the candles.
Example
The football match was exciting to watch.
Example
She is a good match for him in terms of personality.
Example
The two paintings are a perfect match for each other.

match Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for match

Antonyms for match

Idioms Using match

go up in flames/smoke
to fail or be destroyed completely
Example
Their plans for the business went up in flames when they lost their funding.
a tall order
a task or goal that is difficult to achieve
Example
Finishing the project by tomorrow is a tall order, but we'll do our best.
a perfect storm
a combination of events that leads to a particularly bad outcome
Example
The company faced a perfect storm of financial problems and legal issues.

Phrases with match

make a match
to arrange for two people to get married or start a romantic relationship
Example
Her parents made a match for her with a wealthy businessman.
a perfect match
two things that are identical or very similar
Example
The curtains are a perfect match for the sofa.
a mismatch
two things that are not suitable for each other
Example
The shirt and tie he wore were a complete mismatch.

Origins of match

from Old English 'gemæcca', meaning 'mate, companion'

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Summary: match in Brief

The term 'match' [mætʃ] has multiple meanings. It can refer to a small stick used to light a fire, a contest in sports, or a person or thing that is equal to another. Examples include 'I can't find the matches to light the candles,' 'The football match was exciting to watch,' and 'She is a good match for him in terms of personality.' Phrases like 'make a match' and idioms like 'go up in flames/smoke' add to the versatility of the word.