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

The bill garnered the support of the House Freedom Caucus, but set up a potential showdown with moderates concerned about cuts to Medicaid, which provides health coverage to 72 million low-income people. —Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025

With tensions running high and the title up for grabs, expect another hard-hitting showdown when the puck drops in Boston on Thursday night. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

For example, 5% of the 4.44 million viewers who watched last Saturday night’s U.S.-Canada showdown took in the action from a friend’s home, a bar or a restaurant. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Two scenarios and two betting paths The tipsters predict a tense, tactical showdown between two of the league’s titans. —Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 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