FACE OFF Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

face-off 1 of 2

noun

ˈfās-ˌȯf

Definition of face-off

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

Reuniting Bullock and Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens, the dark fantasy rom-com catches up with the sisters 28 years after their last face-off with evil forces. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 At the weigh-ins and face-off for the IBF heavyweight championship fight, Itauma shoved Hrgovic off the stage and the latter retaliated by slapping the former's face. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

The World Series begins Friday with the Milwaukee Brewers facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays, a team Bauers made his Major League debut with back on June 7, 2018. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Now, Milwaukee and Tampa Bay will face off in the best-of-seven World Series to begin on October 23. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off

Noun

The Jets have the home-field advantage in the rivalry game and have more experienced veterans on the roster while in the second year of coach Glenn’s regime, as Miami is in its first year under coach Jeff Hafley.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
An in-state rivalry between two California teams tips off tonight.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Verb

Rose was having a standout season with the Rangers, a program on track to make the postseason and compete for the first playoff win in the school’s young history.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
With no party likely to win a majority, Netanyahu’s Likud and its far-right, ultra-Orthodox allies face centrist and left-wing challengers competing to assemble a governing coalition.

— Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of compete

Noun

The leader, facing a tough re-election battle, has focused much of his campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote on security.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
By focusing on the battles fought in luxury department stores, fashion shows, high-end spas, nail salons, and the home, the film illustrated just how limited even privileged women’s options were.

— Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

Snell opened the seventh by walking Andrew Vaughn and losing an 11-pitch duel to Bauers, who won the battle with a two-run homer.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The anticipated pitchers' duel between Yamamoto and Henderson didn't work out according to plan.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of duel

Verb

While an ordinary walk might leave her mind racing toward work, looking for a particular color gave it something else to do, effectively putting all that other mental chatter on mute.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Together, the symbols represent more than 280 years of racing history and state pride, officials say.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of race

Noun

Now, Tan-Gillespie is tasked with getting KFC’s American business back on track as the brand faces growing competition paired with more health-conscious and cash-strapped consumers.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Still, some market participants see reason for hope in a market bludgeoned this year over worries about rising prices, tensions in the Middle East and stiff competition from artificial intelligence hyperscalers flooding the market with debt.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Last year, a Senatobia officer threatened a Black woman with a Taser, pulling her from her car and onto the ground and arresting her during a confrontation over an accessible parking space in the same Walmart lot where Kohen was shot.

— SOPHIE BATES, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The danger is that Ethiopia’s internal fighting, its confrontation with Eritrea and regional disputes over ports and water could fuel one another.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

facelift

face-off

face off

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“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of face-off

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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