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

Zelenskyy has offered a ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting with Putin. —Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026

Zelensky has offered a ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting with Putin. —Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

The Bureau of Rodent Control responds to 311 requests and proactively addresses rodent baiting through door-to-door abatement, face-to-face engagement with residents, and informational materials. —Tara Molina, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026

The employees received emails with options for dates and times for face-to-face interviews. —Joe Vardon, New York Times, 13 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