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

Harper reportedly came face-to-face with Manfred and didn’t want to discuss the validity of a potential salary cap. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026

There are no restrictions on trade conversations among executives while the Olympic flame is lit in Italy, and more than one-third of NHL general managers are scheduled to be in Milan for national team duties, which should provide plenty of opportunities for face-to-face conversations and meetings. —Chris Johnston, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

When asked about the best techniques for defusing tense encounters while still maintaining the right to protect, civil rights advocates in Connecticut are generally recommending online training in turning down the heat on face-to-face encounters with ICE agents or counter-protestors. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Be My Neighbor Day brings that mission to life through face-to-face connection. —Jennifer Cook, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 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