head-to-head

adverb or adjective

ˈhed-tə-ˈhed 

: in a direct confrontation or encounter usually between individuals

teams competing head-to-head for the championship

Synonyms of head-to-head

• toe-to-toe
• one-on-one
• face-to-face
• head-on

Examples of head-to-head in a Sentence

it's fitting that the two best teams during the regular season will go head-to-head for the championship

Recent Examples on the Web

The head-to-head series between Gauff and Pegula is now tied at five apiece. — Jeff Wallner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Misiorowski pitched six shutout innings Friday in his first head-to-head matchup with Sale, who allowed two runs over six innings. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

When Adam Lowry is playing well, going head-to-head with the NHL’s best offensive players, the Winnipeg Jets win hockey games. — Murat Ates, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Samsung, which has a wide portfolio of smartphones in India ranging from $200 to upwards of $800, has been going head-to-head with Vivo in the $200-$300 price segment, according to experts. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for head-to-head

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead