Definitions

face up to

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.

The Chinese natives are currently incarcerated at the Ventura County Main Jail and the Todd Road Jail, respectively, and face up to four years’ imprisonment followed by two years of probation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

In a speech aimed at steadying his tottering premiership on Monday, Sir Keir said "incremental change won't cut it" as he promised to "face up to the big challenges" the country faced.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

In an attempt to reset his premiership after Friday's election results, Sir Keir gave a speech promising to "face up to the big challenges".

From BBC • May 11, 2026

If convicted, Lu could face up to 20 years in prison.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

A big boy sticks his face up to mine.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

face up to

Example Sentences

Related Words