face 1 of 2

Definition of facenext
1
as in to front
to stand or sit with the face or front toward the house faces the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean

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as in to encounter
to enter into contest or conflict with the Boston Red Sox were eager to face their traditional rivals, the Yankees, in the play-offs

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face

2 of 2

noun

1
as in looks
the front part of the head the criminal hid his face from the news cameras as he slumped into the patrol car

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2
as in front
a forward part or surface the face of the store building has been altered many times over the years to meet changing tastes and needs

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3
as in frown
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval it's rude to make a face when your dinner hostess offers you broccoli

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4
as in exterior
an outer part or layer a much-needed sandblasting revealed that the face of the old stone church is actually a pinkish granite

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5
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling a rainy day is no excuse for just moping around with a long face, so let's do something

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of face
Verb
Expansive windows and view-facing gathering spaces were designed to keep the landscape in the foreground, from morning light across the water to sunset color washing over the hills. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Under current restrictions in many communities, residents face limits on lawn watering, irrigation, vehicle washing and pressure washing. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Noun
Now tennis gets a championship weekend with fresh faces, new pressure and no obvious ending. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026 Benedict Cumberbatch, Julia Garner and Debi Mazar are among the many other recognizable faces. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for face
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face
Verb
  • Breitling let fly fresher, more refined versions of the iconic Chronomat sports watch, with actor Austin Butler, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and soccer star Erling Haaland fronting the campaign.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 May 2026
  • In January, Deadline reported that Netflix had decided to end The Abandons, a Western series fronted by Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • That courier was carrying a case containing approximately $67,000 when the two men confronted him in the parking lot, then took the cash and fled in a nearby vehicle.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • The same difficulty confronts human therapists and psychiatrists.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Seed Studio Landscape Design used medium-width horizontal panels on the privacy fencing of this elegant backyard grill space and layered on thinner wood slats in the same warm tone to clad the outdoor kitchen.
    Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The same went for the team’s suggestion to clad the powder room in tree bark, a nod to rustic Adirondack camp interiors.
    Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But what about those who have already encountered visitors from outer space?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • As in any other global city, tourists in the Mexican capital could encounter street-level crimes including pickpocketing, robberies and scams.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The show also includes looks that are really about preserving the performer’s face and employing subtle transformations via stubble or smaller prosthetic pieces.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
  • The Spurs scored only 40 points in the entire second half and struggled to generate good looks in the fourth quarter.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The owner, Kenneth Howell has been locked in an acrimonious battle with the city of Boise for years, after Boise staff raised concerns over temporary shoring posts bowing under the building’s weight and a crumbling facade, among other safety issues staff highlighted.
    Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2026
  • The record of my thinking is right there in the open, teaching me tolerance for my fumbling, training me not to hide my struggle behind a seamless façade of digital perfection.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The Spaniard left hurriedly, carrying a frown that owed to a sense of injustice.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Greg’s smile, contrasted with the frowns and thumbs-down from the rest of the crew, makes for an entertaining visual.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s mustard exterior suggests a traditional, Savoyard scene of reindeer rugs and bannisters carved with twee hearts and cowbells inside.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Wipe fan blades and the hood exterior with a degreaser or hot, soapy water.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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