face value

noun

Synonyms of face valuenext
1
: the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)
2
: the apparent value or significance
if their remarks may be taken at face value

Examples of face value in a Sentence

We paid $100 for tickets that had a face value of $50.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While concert ticket prices continue to climb, face value ticket prices on the market’s highest-demand shows are still often less than what the market could bear, drawing in resellers. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 Lawmakers also considered a separate bill that would have put a price cap resale tickets, limiting prices to no more than 10% above face value. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 The value of junk silver is tied to the current market price of silver, often sold in bulk by face value. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 All the tickets in Mamdani and the USTA’s initiative have a face value of $100 or more. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face value

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of face value was in 1851

Rhymes for face value

See All Rhymes for face value

Browse Nearby Words

face validity
face value
face wall
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Face value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face%20value. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

face value

noun
1
: the value indicated on the face of something (as a coin, bill, bond, or insurance policy)
2
: the apparent worth or significance
can't take what he says at face value

Legal Definition

face value

noun
: the value indicated on the face of something (as a stock certificate)

More from Merriam-Webster on face value

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for face value

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