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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.

I recently became part of a face-off between two opposite-running Coco bots on the small strip of sidewalk in front of Cafe Figaro.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 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

When the fighters eventually stepped forward for the obligatory face-off, Dubois looked away first as Wardley smirked.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 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 face-off lasted for seconds that stretched into eternity, and then, with the scrabbling of claws, the dragon fled to the darkness at the rear of the barn.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack