as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the annual fall face-off between these traditional rivals is a big event for both football-mad colleges
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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-off
Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Greg's ominous dinner party, Zion's return, and Rick's face-off with his father's killer.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
England and the Netherlands, the last two champions, face off against France, one of the tournament favourites, and debutants Wales.
—Julia Ranney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Noun
The face-off Tuesday between conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel and liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford has garnered attention from both parties beyond the Badger State’s borders.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Greg's ominous dinner party, Zion's return, and Rick's face-off with his father's killer.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
Outside of the main competition, the secondary Un Certain Regard section will see feature directorial debuts from Johansson (the June Squibb-starring Eleanor the Great) and Dickinson (Urchin, led by Fear the Walking Dead's Frank Dillane) face off in contest.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
England and the Netherlands, the last two champions, face off against France, one of the tournament favourites, and debutants Wales.
—Julia Ranney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off
Noun
-
What has endured and evolved, however, is a fierce rivalry in an event that is now huge business, watched by up to 250,000 in person, millions more on television (the races are being screened live on BBC One) and sponsored by French luxury brand Chanel, no less.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
-
While known for his exceptional mic skills, Punk also consistently delivered in-ring performances, with his rivalry against John Cena and Rey Mysterio producing some of his most iconic bouts.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Then the Fire, in an independent Central Hockey League, competed at the Fort Worth Convention Center from 1992 to 1999.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
-
With their second-place finish, Coach Janelle McDonald’s team will compete for its first title since 2018, just a month after winning its first Big Ten title.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Rather, Awuah-Darko wants his story to reach people, whether through Instagram or this article, who feel alone in their battles, even if that comes with backlash.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
For Episode 15 of the current 17th season that aired on April 11, 2025, the eliminated queens were spotlighted by returning to battle for a $50,000 prize in a series of emotional and high-energy lip syncs, as was the popular Korean drinking game that Rosé and Mars sing about in their duet.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Newsmax also contended that what Kelly said was protected opinion.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The pro-Trump side contends that Barrett’s facial expression and body language connote hostility, though such an interpretation is, at best, in the eye of the beholder.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The show is partially set before the events of Revenge of the Sith, which ends with Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader after being severely injured in a lightsaber duel with Obi-Wan.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The 36-year-old deGrom, who also remains in that conversation even on the backside of his career, was almost as good in Friday’s pitcher’s duel.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the years since, the vehicles raced on tracks across the world have evolved.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Twisted Metal is racing toward its return to Peacock for Season 2, and the streamer has finally revealed when episodes will become available.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Another directorial debut, the French drama Partir un Jour from first-timer Amélie Bonnin, will open this year’s festival, screening out of competition.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
-
That also plays out of competition in Cannes Premiere.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The confrontation stopped and restarted as the man appeared to try to get the knife away from Perez over the fence.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
During the confrontation, the two men were shot, and both died on scene, officers said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share