rematch

American  

[ree-mach, ree-mach, ree-mach] / riˈmætʃ, ˈriˌmætʃ, ˈriˌmætʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to match again; duplicate.

   an attempt to rematch a shade of green paint.

2. to schedule a second match for or between.

   to rematch the winners in each soccer league.

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noun

rematches plural

1. a second match between teams, challengers, etc.; return match.

rematch British  

noun

1. sport a second or return match between contestants

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verb

1. (tr) to match (two contestants) again

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• rematches
  plural

Etymology

Origin of rematch

First recorded in 1855–60; re- + match ²

Explanation

After a tie or an unsatisfactory result in a game or competition, people might call for a rematch to play again and settle the score. A rematch is a second game or competition between opponents who competed against each other before. Rematches are common in sports and in competitive games like chess, especially when the first outcome was close or controversial. For example, if a chess game ends in a draw — in which neither player wins — the players might agree to a rematch to determine a winner. Rematches add excitement and anticipation as competitors get another chance to prove themselves against a challenging opponent.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rematch rematches

A rematch with Verhoeven may now make sense for Usyk.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

The Trojans wasted no time jumping on the Bobcats in the rematch.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 1, 2026

What Sinner hadn’t counted on here was a rematch with his other nemesis: the scorching heat of the sun.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

Kickboxing legend Verhoeven, 37, described it as an "early stoppage" and called for a rematch but said it was up to Usyk.

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

Miles ended up winning the majority of our rounds, but I told him that we have to do a rematch sometime.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

As he has done in all previous rematches – against Fury and Joshua – Usyk used the data he had downloaded from the first encounter to his advantage.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2025

In fact, we’re pretty much in for a get-back weekend with three of the four divisional games being rematches from earlier in the season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 14, 2025

This postseason features two rising-star rookie quarterbacks, at least two Week 1 rematches and one big phew.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2025

Lewis competed in three key rematches in his career.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2024

As it turns out, the data show that the 7-7 wrestlers win only 40 percent of the rematches.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt