Definitions

face up to

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confront v.
face the music v.

VERB

confront

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accost defy encounter meet oppose repel resist

STRONG

affront beard brave dare flout front scorn withstand

WEAK

call one's bluff come up against face down face off face with go one-on-one go up against make my day meet eyeball-to-eyeball stand up to tell off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

avoid dodge evade surrender yield

WEAK

back down

VERB

face the music

Synonyms

WEAK

be punished bite the bullet come to grips with face the facts face up to it grin and bear it look square in the eye make one's bed and lie on it pay the piper swallow the pill take one's lumps take one's medicine take the consequences

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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face up to

"We have to face up to the changing climate ... there's no point denying where we are. We need to face up to it. We need more clean energy."

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026

It’s because you need to face up to whatever got you into this situation — and to take responsibility for your actions.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

Under the deal, he’ll pay a $2.25 million fine and face up to five years behind bars.

From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026

It has also promised that NHS staff who refuse to engage with upcoming maternity reviews will be compelled to give evidence or face up to two years in prison.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

It’s time for Daddy to face up to his responsibilities.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

face up to

Example Sentences

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