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\ ˈfās-ˌȯf 
\
\Definition of face-off
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
verbfaced off; facing off; faces off
Definition of face off (Entry 2 of 2)
: to be in or come into opposition or competition
politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate
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Synonyms for face-off
Synonyms: Noun
- ball game,
- battle,
- combat,
- competition,
- conflict,
- confrontation,
- contention,
- contest,
- dogfight,
- duel,
- grapple,
- match,
- rivalry,
- strife,
- struggle,
- sweepstakes
- (also sweep-stake),
- tug-of-war,
- war,
- warfare
Synonyms: Verb
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More Definitions for face-off
face-off
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of face-off
ice hockey : a method of beginning play by dropping the puck between two players
chiefly US : a meeting of opponents : a conflict or fight
face-off
noun\ ˈfās-ˌȯf \
Kids Definition of face-off
1 : a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which the puck or ball is dropped between two opposing players
2 : a clashing of forces or ideas
a face-off between enemies
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Comments on face-off
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Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
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Time Traveler for face-off
The first known use of face-off was in 1889
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