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

Paramount had no comment Sunday on any proposals put forth late last week for discussion in Monday’s part face-to-face, part virtual meeting. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2026

Hybrid work can sound like the best of both worlds—giving employees flexibility while preserving opportunities for face-to-face connection. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

However, the piece maintains that vague assurances are not enough and that Becerra should commit to a specific time and place, framing a face-to-face debate as an obligation rather than a tactical option. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

During the first batch of episodes, the couples met, fell in love, came face-to-face and jetted off to their romantic honeymoons. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face-to-face

• aromatase
• oligoclase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace

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