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

In a rematch of the WNBA’s first-ever game from June 21, 1997, the Sparks overcame a 17-point Liberty lead, all while celebrating the inaugural matchup — and iconic alumni — that changed women’s sports forever.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

Verhoeven said fans were denied a 12th round between himself and unified heavyweight world champion Usyk and there should be an immediate rematch.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr., 49, will risk his 50-0 record in a rematch with Manny Pacquiao.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

That fight was deemed a no contest because of repeated eye pokes from Gane which left Aspinall unable to continue, and he called for a rematch in October.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

"A rematch I won't give him, even after forty years. A tough one, remember that night..."

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte

With the NFL’s conference championship games set — the Rams at Seattle following New England at Denver — three of the four possible Super Bowl permutations are rematches.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2026

The league phase featured rematches of four of the last five Champions League finals with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice saying: "Usually, you find these games in the quarter-finals or semi-finals."

From BBC ● May 31, 2025

Lewis competed in three key rematches in his career.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2024

Retired coach Ed Croson was one of the best in figuring out how to win rematches when he was at Birmingham and Chaminade.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 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