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

Snowboard Cross and Freestyle Skiing Halfpipe finals also take place during this stretch, showcasing head-to-head racing. —Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

The two South Korean memory makers went head-to-head this week, with SK Hynix reporting earnings on Wednesday and Samsung on Thursday morning local time. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026

Smith-Njigba’s matchup with Patriots All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez may be the best head-to-head battle of the Super Bowl. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

The Seahawks hold the overall edge in the head-to-head series with an 11-9 record against the Patriots, including a 23-20 overtime win in Week 2 of the 2024 season at Gillette Stadium. —Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 26 Jan. 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