matching

adjective

match·​ing ˈma-chiŋ 

1

of two or more things

a

: going together well : suitably paired or used together

matching colors

… a formfitting navy Armani suit and matching pumps …

—Leslie Bennetts

b

: having the same appearance, design, etc.

In their matching yellow jumpsuits and white T-shirts they looked like gateposts marking the entrance to the house.

—Ann M. Martin

Meanwhile, over the past few months, Kylie Jenner and Pia Mia have been sighted in matching outfits on more than one occasion while shopping and lunching in LA.

—Erika Stalder

2

: forming part of a pair or set

searched the clean laundry for a matching sock

3

: equal in amount

made matching contributions

especially : equal in amount to money obtained from another source

… a proposal that he has sponsored in the legislature would provide $25-50 million in matching funds for biotechnology research and development to companies choosing Louisiana as their base.

—Stephen Budiansky

Synonyms of matching

• similar
• comparable
• analogous
• like
• alike
• such
• corresponding

Examples of matching in a Sentence

was fond of dressing the twins in matching outfits

Recent Examples on the Web

Since mom already has the candle version, gift her the matching reed diffuser to have her fave scent coursing through her space on a regular basis. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026

Pair it with the matching coffee table (also on sale) for a cohesive look. —Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

Candidates who qualify for the city’s public financing program can receive matching funds to amplify small-dollar donations. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026

Mon Coeur collection and more matching moments below! —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for matching

• batching
• catching
• hatching
• latching
• patching
• scratching
• snatching
• thatching
• attaching
• despatching
• detaching
• dispatching