showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
Synonyms of showdownnext
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
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The much anticipated showdown between powerhouses Etiwanda and Sierra Canyon will happen on Tuesday night at Etiwanda in the Southern Section Open Division semifinals. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026 Saturday's showdown features two teams on the opposite ends of the Western Conference standings. Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026 Keeping the camera still in a courthouse’s small, windowless chambers, Depardon depicts these face-to-face showdowns as litanies of misery, as the officials make suspects confront the grim circumstances leading to their arrests. Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026 Members of both parties are bracing for an economic showdown over rising electricity costs, as Americans see soaring power bills as the new inflation indicator ahead of November. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showdown

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

showdown

noun
show·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute

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