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

The Liberty players participating in the World Cup — USA’s Breanna Stewart and Germany’s Leonie Fiebich — are not scheduled to face-off in the Group Stage. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 Our Avengers assemble for one final face-off against Thanos, bringing some heroes’ stories to a close and teasing others that are just beginning. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

Republican Assemblymember Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin, and Democrat Neva Parker will face off again to represent the 5th Assembly District. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Where a chorus should hit, nearly everything drops out, leaving behind those drums to face off against the steady, impersonal rumble of a sub-bass. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off

Noun

And allowing the top seeds to select their opponents in the first two rounds would create compelling storylines, intensify existing rivalries and create new ones.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Better still, they could’ve been forced to navigate a professional rivalry if, say, Roy is expected to support Chelsea’s women’s club.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
At the same time, Hollister was also engaged in a lengthy courtroom battle with Perry and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles over the rights to another property, a Los Feliz convent the singer hoped to turn into a private home.

— Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

Through the season’s first two weeks, any thoughts of the Falcons contending for a playoff spot appeared delusional and all conversations appeared moot.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Mancuso filed a $45 million breach-of-contract suit, contending that he’d been fired, and later settled for as much as $20 million.

— Richard Natale, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of contend

Noun

The Brewers defended home turf in Game 1 of the NLCS, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 2–1 in a tight pitching duel.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
And in the second half, the game turned into a duel between standout QBs each making his sixth college start.

— PJ Green September 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of duel

Verb

Domestic chipmakers are racing to catch up, but their tech still lags the US – and supplies of their cutting-edge models are tight.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Across Formula 1, tech giants are expanding their partnerships with racing teams as AI finds its way into everything from race strategy to fan engagement.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of race

Noun

There’s a lot more competition now, especially with the celebrity beauty brands and the indie or niche brands that are blowing up on TikTok, which is a super popular platform for discovering new beauty products.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
The report singles out Japan, women’s competitions and homegrown stars as the areas most likely to draw competing bids.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

The cause of their displeasure has to do with scenes woven throughout that illustrate how Baldwin got his reputation for angry outbursts – confrontations with paparazzi through the years, for instance.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Rodan-Benzaquen argued that intensifying political confrontation could help Mélenchon consolidate his support among younger voters and immigrant communities, while portraying the far right as an increasingly serious threat.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of face-off

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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