face-to-face

adverb or adjective

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

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
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.
In what kind of alternate universe does TV’s most popular soccer coach come face-to-face with the real-life coach of a popular women’s soccer team? Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Putin to hold face-to-face bilateral peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 The robbers accused of holding Kim Kardashian at gunpoint in her hotel room and stealing $6 million worth of jewelry were face-to-face with her Tuesday, as the mogul delivered her testimony in a Paris courtroom. William Earl, Variety, 13 May 2025 Along the way, Joe also comes face-to-face with a former flame, Olivia (Linda Cardellini), who is grieving the loss of her husband while also fighting feelings for Joe. Caroline Blair, People.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for face-to-face

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of face-to-face was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Face-to-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face-to-face. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on face-to-face

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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