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

Almost every 22-minute chapter here follows the same comfortably familiar outline, with the leads getting acclimated to a new universe, getting tangled up in a life-or-death showdown and then fleeing to the next one. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026

Continue reading … PARTY PIVOT — Progressive surges toward a crucial Senate midterm showdown that could flip the majority. — FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

The Canadian federal government did not immediately comment on the tariff, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford saw a possible showdown ahead. — Josh Boak, Fortune, 20 July 2026

The showdown in New Jersey matched the European champions and one of the tournament favorites against the reigning world and South American champions. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 20 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