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

In contrast, face-to-face discussions provide immediate clarity, fostering confidence and decisiveness among my team. —Adam Stott, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Customer service is on the chopping block, as the Social Security Administration reduces the number of employees, restricts what services can be handled by phone and shutters some local offices where people could talk to someone face-to-face. —Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

The unsuccessful meeting with Netanyahu marked the first face-to-face sit down with a foreign leader since Trump last week unleashed a wave of tariffs against geopolitical rivals and allies alike. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025

After all those heartfelt letters, begging her nephew to return home, Cara finally comes face-to-face with Spencer. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face-to-face

• aromatase
• hydrogenase
• nitrogenase
• oligoclase
• oxygenase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace

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