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.

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

Elijah Armstrong, 21, Nino Chindavanh, 21, and Jayden Rucker, 25, each face up to life in prison if convicted.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Sir Dieter says we need to face up to a hard truth: tackling climate change costs money.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

He lifted his face up to the air.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt

face up to

Example Sentences

Related Words