face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās 

1

: within each other's sight or presence

met and talked face-to-face

a face-to-face consultation

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

came face-to-face with the problem

Synonyms

• personally
• tête-à-tête

Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself

came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway

Recent Examples on the Web

The way out of this is to have a face-to-face conversation with your son and daughter-in-law. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025

After all, events are about face-to-face interactions, immersive tangible spaces and real-world moments that bring people together. —Nhu Khue Ngo, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Companies such as Sunrun, which reported $2.25 billion in revenue in 2023, operate on the principle that there’s no good replacement for the intense persuasion that can be exerted in face-to-face conversations. —Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025

But millions of others wade deep into pristine sloughs and isolated cypress stands and come face-to-face with all sorts of amazing wildlife, maybe picking up cottonmouths or even swimming with alligators. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˌfās-tə-ˈfās

1

: within each other's close presence

met face-to-face

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

face-to-face with a crisis