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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of face-off
Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
While it is considered one of the greatest games in World Cup history, West Germany's tense face-off against France in 1982 is also remembered as the event where one of the most harrowing incidents took place.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Emily Duda Buckley of Oviedo, who has served as a children’s guardian and Marcus Hyatt, an attorney and former Orlando police officer, will face off in the GOP primary to take on Democratic educator Michelle DeJesus.
—Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Noun
The two candidates topped a crowded field of gubernatorial hopefuls in the June 2 primary, earning them the opportunity to face-off in the general election.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
While it is considered one of the greatest games in World Cup history, West Germany's tense face-off against France in 1982 is also remembered as the event where one of the most harrowing incidents took place.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Verb
The Knicks will face off against the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday night for Game 5.
—Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Emily Duda Buckley of Oviedo, who has served as a children’s guardian and Marcus Hyatt, an attorney and former Orlando police officer, will face off in the GOP primary to take on Democratic educator Michelle DeJesus.
—Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off
Noun
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But when rivalry between sororities escalates and a body is found, ambition, loyalty, and sisterhood collide with deadly consequences.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
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The oldest rivalry in the NFL doesn’t include a team from Green Bay.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Greene argues that books are increasingly competing against entertainment options that didn’t exist in previous generations.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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But in a city that has to compete nationally with New York, Washington and Los Angeles for young talent, that advance from being merely a regional capital meant something here.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Noun
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After several years as an orphan, Pumphrey died in a South Caroline pine forest on August 16, 1780, in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Aegon was severely injured by Aemond and Vhagar in that battle.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Its 33-40 record is better than that of the Tigers and Royals, two teams expected to contend in 2026.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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The District contends that the County lacks the legal authority to take additional funds from local schools.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Noun
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The game began with an unusual pitcher's duel in this ballpark between rookie starters.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 June 2026
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One game turned grabbing the last slice of cake into a pistol duel of who could press the button at exactly the right time.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Goalkeeper Tim Howard saved a seven-yard header by Rafik Saifi and threw the ball to the right side to Donovan, who raced up the field unmarked.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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The Royals raced to an early three-run lead, surrendered it and lost 8-7.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Measles has spread as a result of travel to international sports competitions before.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Their visit coincides with an event marking one year to the start of the Invictus Games, the biennial sporting competition Harry founded more than a decade ago.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Noun
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For now, Meloni has avoided direct confrontation, a strategy seen as both calculation and a bet that Vannacci’s momentum may fade.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
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During the confrontation, a person pulled out a gun and fired several shots, hitting two people, according to police.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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