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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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
This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, but rather a very grave policy issue putting the health crisis facing the American people in an untenable position. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026 As a result, millions on ACA plans now face much higher premiums, with many dropping out or expecting to drop out and risk going uninsured as premiums surge. Deidre Popovich, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
The trilateral talks are face to face between the US, Pakistan and Iran, the official said in a statement to pool reporters traveling with the US delegation. Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026 Scott was repeatedly punched in the face and body. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face
Verb
  • Several pointed to the strain on smaller, rural counties that must front the costs for recovery projects and wait for months on federal reimbursement — often with limited staff and resources.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Named for the Kiawah people who called this island home when British settlers first arrived in 1670, Kiawah Island fronts the Atlantic with ten miles of beach.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Detective Wilson confronted him with a stack of those letters.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The moon’s alignment with Pluto encourages you to confront the elephant in the room.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The cedar wood’s grains are enhanced with an overlapping cladding style build, and the shingled roof adds a storybook cottage feel.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Today it can be seen cladding a Qantas 787 Dreamliner in giant red webs and white spots.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Police said the man who encountered the victim then fired a shot and stole his car.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Pre-emergent herbicide, manual removal Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a widespread lawn weed that everyone encounters at some point.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Granted, a picture can’t really tell us much aside from general looks.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The soft pink color adds a light and airy feel to the room, while the reversible leaf print gives you two looks in one.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The facades are replicas made to scale, one-third the size of the original buildings.
    Olivia Young, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • As the façade of privilege begins to crack, the film charts an unsettling psychological terrain.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Carpenter responded with a quizzical frown.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Not a quiver in his lips, yet his frown growing.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The art deco movie palace at the center of her design bears a distinct resemblance to the North Bend’s dramatic exterior.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Designers Fattahi and McNairy, the cofounders of LALA Reimagined, also like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a neutral exterior.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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