1
: a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which two opponents face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them
2
faced off; facing off; faces off
: to be in or come into opposition or competition
politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate
Examples of face-off in a Sentence
Noun
the annual fall face-off between these traditional rivals is a big event for both football-mad colleges
Verb
eager to face off with her longtime tennis rival
Recent Examples on the Web
Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
All of that action didn’t hold a candle to Offset’s appearance, which took place during Je’Von Evans’ face-off against Kofi Kingston.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 24 Feb. 2026
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
The winner will face off against Dock Jackson, the only Democrat vying for the position, in November.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
From Heated Rivalry to a heated face-off!
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
All of that action didn’t hold a candle to Offset’s appearance, which took place during Je’Von Evans’ face-off against Kofi Kingston.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
Republicans Jack Codiga and Addul Ali faced off for the Republican nomination.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
The winner will face off against Dock Jackson, the only Democrat vying for the position, in November.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Cite this Entry
“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face-off. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
