showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n 

1

: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot

2

: a decisive confrontation or contest

Examples of showdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The last-minute Raman-Bass showdown was a political earthquake in part because the two had been allies and Raman’s name had appeared on a list of Bass endorsers for reelection. —Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

If that happens, a tag team showdown at Wembley could easily become one of the sleeper hits of the night. —Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Believe it or not, despite the ratings nightmare this final poses for the NHL, there is still plenty of intrigue to be had in a Vegas-Carolina showdown. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026

Saturday’s morning game featured a showdown of aces between two of the top players in the state. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

showdown

noun

show·​down -ˌdau̇n 

: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute