face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās 

1

: within each other's sight or presence

met and talked face-to-face

a face-to-face consultation

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

came face-to-face with the problem

Synonyms of face-to-face

• personally

Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself

came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway

Recent Examples on the Web

While secondary to the platform’s primary function, this feature reinforces the brand’s emphasis on meeting face-to-face. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

Designed to foster meaningful dialogue, Seabourn Conversations brings guests face-to-face with influential voices across culture, science, politics, history, and the arts, for the world’s most compelling conversations at sea. —The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026

Being away from screens provides opportunities for face-to-face relationship building and creativity. —Gqlshare, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026

However, the federal government struck a surprise settlement with the company in early March, following a face-to-face meeting between Rapino and Omeed Assefi, the acting assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division. —Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face-to-face

• aromatase
• hydrogenase
• nitrogenase
• oligoclase
• oxygenase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace

Kids Definition

face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˌfās-tə-ˈfās

1

: within each other's close presence

met face-to-face

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

face-to-face with a crisis