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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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Rory, who is a father, could face up to three years in a Thai jail unless the charges are dropped during the preliminary court hearing.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

But whatever the complexion of the incoming Welsh government, it will face up to an ageing and potentially budget-draining legacy of health service buildings.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Raygoza, 38, of Riverside and Brown, 38, of Aurora, Colo., each face up to five years in federal prison, according to Essayli.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

And the sun was making her drowsy, until at last she closed the book and held her face up to its warm rays.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke