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

As a result, this lender may be particularly appealing for borrowers who prefer face-to-face lender interactions and hands-on guidance throughout the process. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

National networks, for their part, have produced news-magazine shows that specialize in filming similarly dramatic face-to-face encounters. —Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026

Relationships and social skills are best fostered face-to-face by seeing and reacting to people’s expressions and body language. —Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026

No police stops, no face-to-face interaction — just consequences in the owner’s mailbox. —Sameer Butt, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 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