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
This sense of devotion explains why this final-day showdown mattered so much.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The Ducks put up a touchdown, prevailing 7-4, and have their first advantage in a best-of-seven showdown since eliminating the Oilers in the second round in 2017.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
In a showdown between the top two teams in the Foothill League, Saugus softball came out on top against West Ranch, 9-5, on Thursday afternoon.
—Matt Wagner, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Last year Payton Tolle’s big league debut was one of the highlights of the season, as the gigantic left-hander with a mustache as big as his personality went toe-to-toe with Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes and struck out eight in a memorable Friday night showdown.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for showdown
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The Ducks put up a touchdown, prevailing 7-4, and have their first advantage in a best-of-seven showdown since eliminating the Oilers in the second round in 2017.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
In a showdown between the top two teams in the Foothill League, Saugus softball came out on top against West Ranch, 9-5, on Thursday afternoon.
—Matt Wagner, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Last year Payton Tolle’s big league debut was one of the highlights of the season, as the gigantic left-hander with a mustache as big as his personality went toe-to-toe with Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes and struck out eight in a memorable Friday night showdown.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for showdown
Cite this Entry
“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
showdown
noun
show·down
-ˌdau̇n
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
