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Definitions

face-off

[feys-awf, -of] / ˈfeɪsˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
NOUN
confrontation
Synonyms
STRONG
argument battle clash conflict contest duel encounter fight run-in showdown skirmish
Antonyms
STRONG
agreement calm harmony peace
VERB
confront
Synonyms
STRONG
argue brave challenge confront dare defy go one-on-one go up against take on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I recently became part of a face-off between two opposite-running Coco bots on the small strip of sidewalk in front of Cafe Figaro.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah held an unassailable lead against ousted prime minister KP Sharma Oli Saturday in the highly contested face-off in the southeastern district of Jhapa, according to data from the Election Commission.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

It was looking as though we wouldn’t get a badly needed, monthslong, toe-to-toe face-off about all that’s right and wrong in the sprawling metropolis of high hopes and low expectations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026

The face-off there is in the part of the country not controlled by the Houthi militant group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

The face-off was so absurd it should have been humorous.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan