May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

 Browse the A to Z list

Match

n. joyful, thoughtful everyday

What it means

A person or thing especially well suited to another in qualities, needs, or purpose.

Reach for it when describing compatibility that makes a pairing work naturally

The quiet studio was a good match for the editor's careful working style.

Words to choose between 9

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal

  • everyday

    fit

    Fits when practical suitability is the main consideration

    Careful Fit can concern size or requirements without mutual compatibility.

  • everyday

    good combination

    Fits when the joint result matters more than either member

    Careful This broad phrase does not imply close equivalence between the parts.

  • warm

    ideal choice

    Fits when one option suits the need exceptionally well

    Careful Ideal can overstate limited evidence or ignore acceptable alternatives.

  • warm

    partner

    Fits when active cooperation or relationship matters

    Careful Partner implies an ongoing role and is wrong for an inanimate one-time match.

  • professional

    compatible choice

    Fits when requirements and qualities align without conflict

    Careful The phrase is technical and misses emotional rapport.

  • professional

    pairing

    Fits when two elements are deliberately placed together

    Careful Pairing describes the combination but does not say it works well.

  • formal

    complement

    Fits when different strengths complete or improve one another

    Careful A complement need not be equal or independently suitable.

  • formal

    counterpart

    Fits when someone or something has a corresponding role in another setting

    Careful Counterparts can correspond without being compatible partners.

  • formal

    equal

    Fits when ability or standing is comparable

    Careful Equality does not guarantee compatibility or shared purpose.

Opposites 3

  • mismatch
  • incompatibility
  • poor fit

Common phrases 3

  • good match

    The flexible schedule is a good match for seasonal workers.

  • perfect match

    Its warm tone made the old frame a perfect match for the print.

  • match for

    The smaller role was a better match for his understated style.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated