showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
Synonyms of showdownnext
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
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And there was Staley prowling the sideline on Saturday afternoon at Golden 1 Center in a Sweet 16 showdown with a Southeastern Conference rival, her game face contrasted by what was on her shirt. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026 Five different goal scorers and 24 saves from freshman sensation goaltender Johnny Hicks were more than enough to set up a regional final showdown Sunday afternoon with conference rival Western Michigan. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 Five people familiar with the showdown between Bovino and the federal government over this unusual issue spoke with the Washington Examiner between January and March about the effort in Washington to take back the accounts from an employee who had gone rogue. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026 Some might consider Friday’s matchup a showdown between two blue-bloods but Pitino doesn’t want fans to think that way. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showdown

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

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Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

showdown

noun
show·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute

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