rematch
A second game or contest between the same opponents.
A rematch is a second contest between the same opponents who have already competed once before. After a chess champion loses their title, they might demand a rematch to try to reclaim it. When your friend beats you at basketball, you might challenge them to a rematch to see if you can even the score.
Rematches often happen because the loser wants another chance to prove themselves, or because the competition was so exciting that everyone wants to see the rivals face off again. In professional sports, rematch fights between boxers or games between teams can become legendary events, sometimes even more anticipated than the original contest.
You might hear someone say, “I want a rematch!” after losing at checkers, or sports fans might get excited about a rematch between teams that played a thrilling championship game the previous year. A rematch gives both competitors a fresh opportunity, with the loser hoping to change the outcome and the winner hoping to prove the first victory wasn't just luck.