Definition of toe-to-toenext
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
  • 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
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
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
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.

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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 7 Oct. 2026.

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