face 1 of 2

Definition of facenext
1
as in to front
to stand or sit with the face or front toward the house faces the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean

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as in to encounter
to enter into contest or conflict with the Boston Red Sox were eager to face their traditional rivals, the Yankees, in the play-offs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

face

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noun

1
as in looks
the front part of the head the criminal hid his face from the news cameras as he slumped into the patrol car

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2
as in front
a forward part or surface the face of the store building has been altered many times over the years to meet changing tastes and needs

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3
as in frown
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval it's rude to make a face when your dinner hostess offers you broccoli

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4
as in exterior
an outer part or layer a much-needed sandblasting revealed that the face of the old stone church is actually a pinkish granite

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5
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling a rainy day is no excuse for just moping around with a long face, so let's do something

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of face
Verb
Meanwhile, Iran at home faces still-simmering anger over its wide-ranging suppression of all dissent in the Islamic Republic. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 More eyes than ever are being trained on Europe’s second-largest textile supplier, which is facing pressures from high production costs, inflation and an overinflated lira, all of which have undermined its competitiveness. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
For the Iranian diaspora, this has meant an agonizing wait for news from family members, with many left feeling helpless in the face of such unthinkable atrocities. Emily Chan, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026 Within days, memes featuring Kirk’s face were plastered everywhere in photos—onto celebrities, rap albums, the World Trade Center on 9/11, video-game characters, FBI Director Kash Patel, the faces of random people. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face
Verb
  • Beware of underdogs This Czech team in Milan is going to be fronted by world-class players.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
  • As reported, Ceretti is fronting the spring 2026 Giorgio Armani campaign, photographed in the designer’s house for the first time.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her search uncovers his hidden life abroad, forcing her to confront an uncertain future and imagine a different life for herself.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • These gatherings matter not because of what is said onstage but because of what happens away from the cameras—where leaders can argue, disagree, test assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths without the distortion of performative politics or social media outrage.
    Alan H.H. Fleischmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Today it can be seen cladding a Qantas 787 Dreamliner in giant red webs and white spots.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Horizontal wood paneling clads this chimney from floor to ceiling instead of the usual brick or stone.
    Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • It’s been 16 days since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing, and investigators working the case that has captivated the nation’s attention are encountering a unique mix of challenges.
    Elizabeth Hartfield, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Troy’s resurgence as a girls basketball contender under coach Kevin Kiernan encountered a challenging checkpoint Saturday.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The state and national pageants showcase the talents, brains and looks of the woman synonymous with American beauty.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Chesterfield Some sofa styles, like Chesterfield, lose the favor of designers due to their size and feel rather than their looks.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Underground work on the plaza is nearly complete and construction on the stairwells and brick facade for the parking garage is on track to be done by June 1, Brodigan said.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Set the scene New Yorkers and return visitors will instantly recognize the nearly 40,000 plants cascading down the 18-story facade, breathing oxygen into the Midtown air.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Not a quiver in his lips, yet his frown growing.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
  • My best friend Russell is an acupuncturist, and seemed like the perfect person to place my tape, slapping it on my frown lines, crow’s-feet, and nasolabial folds.
    Lena Dunham, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Xenon gloves from Rab are remarkably lightweight, warm, and breathable thanks to its featherweight but durable Pertex exterior and just right amount of premium Primaloft Gold insulation inside.
    Joe Jackson, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The exteriors may be similar, but the interiors couldn’t be more different.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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