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

They’ve been outscored by the Eagles, 254-167, in their last nine head-to-head meetings, as well. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026

The three teams had identical district records, split their head-to-head games and had the exact same point differential. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Kristin gives up immediately, Cristain taps out shortly thereafter, and Sharonda loses out on the last spot to Kilby as the two try to choke down their dinner in a head-to-head battle. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

If the decision was based on head-to-head matchups, Brantley would have clinched the final spot after blowing out Hagerty on Friday 56-0. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 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