faces 1 of 2

Definition of facesnext
present tense third-person singular of face
1
as in fronts
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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4
as in encounters
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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faces

2 of 2

noun

plural of face
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 facades
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 grimaces
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 surfaces
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 expressions
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 faces
Verb
International watchdogs warn of democratic backsliding under Vucic, citing police abuses and pressure on critics, while Serbia’s bid for European Union membership faces potential funding cuts over eroding rule of law. Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 Today, the entire country faces far too much discord. Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 Ly faces an additional possession‑with‑intent‑to‑distribute charge, authorities said. Doug Myers, CBS News, 23 May 2026 The new Huawei smartwatch has a larger display, a ceramic-like metal finish on the White model, and an all-new mini workout mode, which unlocks cute panda watch faces! Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 Simonson said that while construction has been hit by the same low-hire, low-fire conditions straining job growth, the industry faces more severe shortages from both an aging workforce and dwindling interest from younger generations. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 May 2026 If convicted, Gelacio faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026 Billings faces former team Monique Billings played her first game against the Valkyries since departing the Bay Area in free agency. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 May 2026 In Fribourg, Czechia plays Slovakia, and Sweden faces Norway. ABC News, 23 May 2026
Noun
Always, always those little ashen faces. Literary Hub, 29 May 2026 The faces of the movement, from the models fronting natural-hair campaigns to the content creators filming wash-day tutorials, were overwhelmingly young—women like Chizi Duru, who is now 30; Whitney White, now 40; and Shaneice Crystal, now 31. Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026 In seconds, their faces seem to transform, all from pulling back those braids by their temples. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The men on the rock had ripped clothes and dirty faces, seemingly stunned that they had been found alive. Nick Duffy, NBC news, 29 May 2026 After a day of learning about blackmail wire and unwittingly dodging Dennis the menace, Paula heads to soccer practice and faces yet another obstacle. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 29 May 2026 The two faces of Tony Alamo A few months earlier, Alexis’ brother, Matthew, arrived groggily to breakfast. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 In a clinical trial where only half of people’s faces received LED treatment enrolled 24 subjects with LED treatments twice weekly for eight weeks. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Grisebach has a flair for finding faces with striking, weatherbeaten features that might have grown out of the landscape itself. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faces
Verb
  • There was even one elitist host who fronts the least funny talk show on television — and to prove that point decided to devote an entire laugh-free segment on my column.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 May 2026
  • Today, Glover fronts the band POPSOUL, per her website.
    Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Unspoken fears or doubts shape your expression as Venus confronts Saturn.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 May 2026
  • Abdullah was armed and patrolling the house of worship on a routine Monday morning because leaders of the mosque have long recognized the threat their community confronts due to the rise in hate crimes.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Anyone who encounters a moose should give it time and space to move, wildlife officials said.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
  • The material encounters massive energy barriers that prevent it from naturally reaching this state.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • The whimsical looks have sparked debate online, with some accusing the 23-year-old pop star of sexualizing children's clothes.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
  • Book three of Kennedy’s Off-Campus series, The Score, follows Dean, who’s something of a playboy thanks to his irresistible charm and good looks.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • This can include easier jobs, like fresh paint jobs on facades and park clean-ups overnight, or more intense projects like refreshing and reimagining attractions.
    Megan duBois, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • Well, mounting heavy opaque panels across glass skyscraper facades radically changes the appearance, weight, and thermal characteristics of the building itself.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • And yet, the wry grimaces that followed said the quiet part out loud.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In the video, Claffey tries to move Ansell away from the subject and grimaces at the camera when his costar seems to say a little too much.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An employee beverage was found on food prep surfaces.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado May 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
  • The sole has an excellent grip on wet surfaces.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Others consciously monitor facial expressions, tone, body language, communication patterns, sensory reactions, and emotional responses throughout the workday to appear acceptable within professional culture.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • All Alan seems to know how to do is a lil-stinker dance while making cheeky expressions, distilling the sketch comedian’s talents into an unnervingly tidy package.
    Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faces.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faces. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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