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

The locker-room showdown between Fatu and Rhodes used Fatu’s real-life background to simulate a personal conflict. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

Ten minutes when playing against Antetokounmpo can feel like an eternity, and sure enough, the fourth quarter eventually turned into a showdown between Milwaukee and the clock. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026

Instead, the blind taste-test showdown last year pitted Pepsi Zero Sugar against Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

Middle Tennessee State men’s basketball moved its Conference USA showdown with Jacksonville State from Saturday to Friday evening. —John Raby, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 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