Definition of head-to-headnext
as in toe-to-toe
in direct confrontation or competition it's fitting that the two best teams during the regular season will go head-to-head for the championship

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-to-head Burrow has also beaten Lawrence in both of their head-to-head matchups in the NFL. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 An impromptu panel of thousands of judges online watched more than 120 music videos over six rounds of head-to-head musical battles, spanning genres from death metal to ska mexicano. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 If Texas and Houston finish tied, then Houston advances based on a 9-4 head-to-head record against the Rangers this season. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026 Houston holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Texas, so the AL West champion won't be decided until Sunday. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Trump posted to Truth Social ahead of his and Xi’s head-to-head. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz,arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 Oregon coach Dan Lanning has bested Riley in both of their head-to-head meetings, too. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Although regions may use different criteria, in the simulation, all standings were determined by 1) region record; 2) head-to-head results; 3) point differential; 4) classification record; and 5) random tiebreaker. — Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Thousands of fans will cast ballots in head-to-head matchups to decide which bear best embodies the survival skills and healthy appetite needed to make it through Alaska's harshest months. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-to-head
Adverb
  • Or two birds face-to-face in close proximity, covering themselves with their wings as if to share a secret kiss away from prying eyes, could evoke a giggle.
    — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The last time Georgia’s gubernatorial candidates met face-to-face came in a hotel parking lot, where Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms confronted Republican Rick Jackson over a campaign ad.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • To be sure, companies are pushing to bring employees back into the office, confronting the issue head-on from COVID-era isolation.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Don’t avoid uncomfortable realities; addressing them head-on will spare you unwelcome surprises later.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Head-to-head.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-to-head. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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