face-off 1 of 2

noun

ˈfās-ˌȯf How to pronounce face-off (audio)
Definition of face-offnext
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the annual fall face-off between these traditional rivals is a big event for both football-mad colleges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

face off

2 of 2

verb

as in to compete
to engage in a contest eager to face off with her longtime tennis rival

Synonyms & Similar Words

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-off
Noun
Messi began the face-off yesterday by scoring twice at lunchtime in Dallas, but Mbappe and Haaland appeared to see that as a personal affront, matching him as the sun set in Philadelphia and New Jersey. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026 After a contentious Republican runoff in Georgia, the stage is set for a major face-off that will be watched by the nation. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
Mitch Bernard, chief counsel at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council, has faced off on environmental issues with the DOJ many times. — J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 28 July 2026 Hours before the buck moon, tender Venus in Virgo and vigorous Mars in Gemini face off, manifesting drama with others. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off
  1. rivalry
  2. compete
  3. battle
  4. contend
  5. duel
  6. race
  7. competition
  8. confrontation
Noun
  • The unusually open rivalry within the theocracy's leadership points to a struggle for control over Iran’s postwar future.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That leaves the door open for the continuation of the blockbuster rivalry between Rhodes and Orton, who has been off TV for the past few months.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of rivalry
Verb
  • No two competing baseball executives live so close to each other, or are able to meet up and share war stories about their owners, players or the local media.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Via a points system, entrants will not only compete for prize money in individual races but also vie for a $5 million prize pool divided up based on the series’ final standings.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of compete
Noun
  • Even now, weeks into efforts to battle misinformation, some residents hold mistaken views of the outbreak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This was the first indication that Fred Johnson actually has the edge in the swing tackle battle.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Decisions on matters such as war, citizenship, exile and capital punishment were made in the assemblies and courts, where citizens heard contending speeches and voted immediately afterwards.
    — Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
  • Pitching is always in high demand at the trade deadline and Garrett would be an option as a back end of the rotation starter or a swingman for a contending team.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of contend
Noun
  • Rookie right-hander Walbert Ureña won the duel against Milwaukee Brewers sensation Jacob Misiorowski in the Angels’ 3-0 victory on Sunday afternoon.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Cherry went 74 minutes in Sunday’s loss to Racing Louisville, recording four defensive clearances and winning three of her four aerial duels as Angel City lost for the first time in four games.
    — Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 31 July 2026
Definition of duel
Verb
  • Meanwhile, officials are racing to ensure older office buildings can be safely transformed into apartments.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The duo also tapped Bamford Watch Department to help bring the new timepiece imbued in racing heritage to life.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
Definition of race
Noun
  • This strategic reduction highlights growing competition from open-weight models, compelling proprietary AI providers to lower costs.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Right now, all eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • On Memorial Day, 1927, when Fred was twenty-one, he was arrested for refusing to disperse during a violent confrontation between police and a band of white-hooded Klansmen in Queens; he was released shortly after.
    — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Tyrell Scott was stabbed in the chest during a confrontation on Riverdale Ave.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

facelift
face-off
face off
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Cite this Entry

“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on face-off

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about face-off

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