showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n 

1

: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot

2

: a decisive confrontation or contest

Examples of showdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the early-mid ‘10s, Killa frequently entered music competitions – from Soca Star and Digicel Rising Stars to more local street showdowns. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025

The Administration seemed determined to force a constitutional showdown and has now succeeded. —Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025

The Trump administration’s threat to stop Harvard University from enrolling international students creates an immigration showdown that affects other universities. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Their request sets up another potential showdown between the Trump administration and the federal courts over President Donald Trump’s claims of broad executive power amid a hardline approach to immigration. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

showdown

noun

show·​down -ˌdau̇n 

: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute