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

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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 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 Mississippi takes its history head-on. Gary Fields, Arkansas Online, 13 Apr. 2026 Mississippi takes its history head-on. Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Associate administrator Amit Kshatriya pointed to Artemis I flight data, ground testing, and engineering models as justification, and Glover acknowledged the risk head-on, noting the heat shield and parachutes are systems with zero fault tolerance built in. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for head-on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-on
Adverb
  • Though Edmonton sat back and trapped more at times, including late in the year, their pace and personnel allowed for plenty of chances in three head-to-head meetings.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Who won the head-to-head games between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia this season?
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Go face-to-face with the person of the moment.
    Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This face-to-face interaction contrasts with online chess, where players often encounter trolling and unsportsmanlike behavior.
    Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2026.

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