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

Witness the ongoing reaction to the most recent bear encounter, a bloody showdown that swept across TV, newspapers and social media. — Steve Searles, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Saturday offers a star striker showdown between Haaland's Norway and Kane's England; Norway, fresh off upsetting Brazil, is predicted to win 2-1. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

The convincing result booked the Belgian national team, currently ranked eighth in the world, to a quarterfinal showdown with Spain, ranked third in the world and one of the tournament favorites. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

Charles De Ketelaere’s first-half brace and second-half goals from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku set up a quarterfinal showdown between Belgium and Spain at SoFi Stadium. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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