Definition of head-onnext
as in head-to-head
in direct confrontation or competition the underdog team met its more talented opponent head-on and won the hockey game through sheer grit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 head-on The other driver crossed over the yellow median and hit Saint's vehicle head-on, per the outlet. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 Perkins, who is CEO of Canva, addressed head-on the concerns among many who work in creative industries about the potential for AI to supplant human labor. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Figures of Crisis makes productive use of this commonplace idea by tackling it head-on and turning it inside out. Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026 One accelerant of America’s decline as a superpower will be that former allies will look elsewhere for their safety, while adversaries will recalculate the right time to challenge Washington head-on. Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for head-on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-on
Adverb
  • If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • The online competition features ice cream shops from across the country in a bracket-style format, with winners advancing through head-to-head matchups based on public voting.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Adverb
  • The headset supports real-time translation and face-to-face conversations in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
  • Tom Holland finally came face-to-face with his name twin Tom Holland for a special podcast episode.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Head-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-on. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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