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

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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

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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-off

Noun

Continue reading … EMPIRE STATE BOUT — Most fiery moments from Lawler's face-off against Dem in race for control of Congress. — FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Her father, Ravi Shankar, wasn’t up for any Grammys that year, avoiding a family face-off. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

The top-two backs in rushing yards — Bijan Robinson and Kenneth Walker — face off. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026 Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy will face off against Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik. — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off

Noun

Overshadowing the stats are the magnitude and intensity of the rivalry, and the fact that Wesleyan has won the last two, spoiling the seasons for Trinity’s current upper classmen.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2026
Rent rivalries Ponder inland rents against what tenants pay in states considered California’s main economic rivals.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Verb

The competing signals leave the region facing an uncertain military outlook.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Although the businesses competed in different contests, their recognition highlights the support local establishments can receive from their communities.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of compete

Noun

The letter was shared as Haitian police and foreign forces continue to battle gangs, with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announcing on X late Friday that a gang leader was killed, without identifying him.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
The attention surfaced new accusations of misconduct against sitting members and thrust a spotlight onto others that were part of ongoing legal battles.

— Anna Liss-Roy, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

Overall, the Royals hope for more offensive success to contend in the American League Central.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026
Downs took to social media to express his jubilation from being traded from the reeling Colts to the contending Chiefs.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of contend

Noun

The pair had previously engaged in a quarterback duel that lasted well into fall camp, so Florida remained confident in its backup.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Her biggest liberty is a duel between Herbert Nordrum’s Colonel Brandon and Frank Dillane’s John Willoughby, which Austen mentions but keeps offstage.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of duel

Noun

Whether those negotiations can prevent another major confrontation remains unclear.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law and heighten the risk of military confrontation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

facelift

face-off

face off

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Style

“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of face-off

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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