as in head-to-head
in direct confrontation or competition
mom-and-pop grocery stores are usually wildly outmatched when they go toe-to-toe with large chain stores
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toe-to-toe
Adverb
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Tie breakers are decided by, in order, head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored.—
Boston Herald,
Boston Herald,
12 June 2026 -
Among registered voters in the state, 52% supported Becerra in a head-to-head matchup against Hilton, who was backed by 31%, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll which was co-sponsored by The Los Angeles Times.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adverb
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But beneath that capability sits a structural limitation the industry has been reluctant to confront head-on.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
By that point, the police affidavit said Jones had driven into the wrong lane of travel and crashed head-on with another car, forcing it onto the sidewalk.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Sadly, no longer do riders come off the train only to be met face-to-face with the massive frame.—
John Shumway,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Without addressing specific players, Breslow said face-to-face free-agent meetings this week could help on multiple levels when trying to sign a player.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
9 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Toe-to-toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toe-to-toe. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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