face-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈfās-ˌȯf 

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

: confrontation

face off

2 of 2

verb

faced off; facing off; faces off

intransitive verb

: to be in or come into opposition or competition

politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate

Synonyms of face-off

Noun

• rivalry
• battle
• duel
• competition
• confrontation
• struggle
• warfare
• contest
• conflict

Verb

• compete
• contend
• race

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

Noun

The first film, a box office hit, follows an explosive face-off between Los Angeles Police Department detective Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and professional thief Neil McCauley (De Niro). — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026

In Florida's 25th Congressional District, that split has produced a direct face-off. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

The Etienne brothers faced off in Week 1 of 2025, when Travis ran rampant for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor made his debut for the Panthers. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Nov. 2026

The 6-foot-2 superstar will face off against Slade in a bounty match in what will likely be a bloody affair for PRODUCE Wrestling’s Assembly event in Kingston on Saturday night. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for face-off

• cerenkov
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff

Kids Definition

face-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈfā-ˌsȯf

1

: a method of putting a puck in play in ice hockey by dropping it between two opposing players

2

: a meeting of opposing forces : confrontation

face off

2 of 2 verb

: to be in or come into opposition or competition

politicians facing off each other in a debate