toe to toe

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of toe to toenext
: facing one another

toe-to-toe

2 of 2

adjective or adverb

: slugging it out at or as if at close range
a toe-to-toe confrontation over the new policy

Examples of toe to toe in a Sentence

Adjective or adverb mom-and-pop grocery stores are usually wildly outmatched when they go toe-to-toe with large chain stores
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective or adverb
The real thrill for me is that not a lot of people get to go toe-to-toe with Jeff. Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 Hugh Jackman has fought mutants, slayed vampires and gone toe-to-toe dancing with Zac Efron. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 June 2026 With roughly 500,000 citizens, Cape Verde is one of the least populated countries to ever compete at the World Cup, but that didn't stop them from going toe-to-toe with one of the sport's biggest superpowers. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 The New York Knicks’ first NBA finals appearance since 1999 has turned the city into a watch party stretching across the five boroughs—and turned out a constellation of celebrities and power brokers that could go toe-to-toe with any red carpet. Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for toe to toe

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toe to toe was circa 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Toe to toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toe%20to%20toe. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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