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.

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face up to

A former US Olympian accused of vandalizing Washington's newly renovated Reflecting Pool was charged on Thursday with a felony and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, a federal prosecutor said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

Under the deal, he’ll pay a $2.25 million fine and face up to five years behind bars.

From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026

Lu, who was supported by dozens of community members during his one-week trial in Brooklyn, could face up to 30 years in prison for the charges linked to the illegal police station.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

The language echoes Sir Keir's attempted reset speech on Monday, when the prime minister said "incremental change won't cut it" and promised to "face up to the big challenges" the country faced.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

He turned a halt-concealed face up to Roger and answered the incomprehension of his gaze.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

face up to

Example Sentences

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