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Definitions

face-off

[feys-awf, -of] / ˈfeɪsˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
NOUN
confrontation
Synonyms
STRONG
argument battle clash conflict contest duel encounter fight run-in showdown skirmish
Antonyms
STRONG
agreement calm harmony peace
VERB
confront
Synonyms
STRONG
argue brave challenge confront dare defy go one-on-one go up against take on

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 face-off concluded with a warm exchange that underscored the "brotherhood" between the two veterans.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah held an unassailable lead against ousted prime minister KP Sharma Oli Saturday in the highly contested face-off in the southeastern district of Jhapa, according to data from the Election Commission.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

But even an athlete as fierce as Jones accepts she may need to improve her game face when it comes to her upcoming face-off with Criss.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

It was looking as though we wouldn’t get a badly needed, monthslong, toe-to-toe face-off about all that’s right and wrong in the sprawling metropolis of high hopes and low expectations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026

The stage was set for the first and most sensational face-off of the Cold War era in the United States.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau