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

That's one of the biggest questions surrounding an NFC West showdown that already carries plenty of stakes. — James Ward, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

The Rams and 49ers kick off the NFL season 8,000 miles from home, turning the Melbourne Cricket Ground into the stage for Australia’s first regular-season NFL showdown. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The reception might be a tad frostier in six weeks when Tkachuk’s Florida Panthers — no, the Tkachuks’ Florida Panthers — roll into Ottawa for an Atlantic Division showdown at Canadian Tire Center. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The filing represents a dramatic escalation in the showdown between the conference and one of its founding members. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 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