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

Gemma reluctantly agrees to rebuild her impudent robot in a new body, and the sequel ends with an explosive showdown between Amelia and M3GAN, who nearly dies in a noble attempt to save Gemma and her niece, Cady (Violet McGraw). —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 June 2025

As the Voting Rights Act's supporters prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of the law's passage this August, Levitt, however, does note that its critics are setting up potential future showdowns at the Supreme Court. —Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 28 June 2025

For now, his showdown at the LIV Golf Dallas on Friday is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET at Maridoe Golf Club. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

That’s made for a high-stakes showdown as Gov. Gavin Newsom demands major changes to streamline housing construction as part of the budget. —Ben Christopher, Mercury News, 27 June 2025

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