head-to-head

adverb or adjective

ˈhed-tə-ˈhed How to pronounce head-to-head (audio)
Synonyms of head-to-headnext
: in a direct confrontation or encounter usually between individuals
teams competing head-to-head for the championship

Synonyms of head-to-head

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Examples of head-to-head in a Sentence

it's fitting that the two best teams during the regular season will go head-to-head for the championship
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.
The first is head-to-head, which wouldn’t apply here since Clemson did not play SMU nor Wake Forest this season. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026 Just three years later, Blackwell launched the Sacramento Burger Battle, where 15 local restaurants went head-to-head to showcase their best burgers. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The last time two teams went head-to-head while wearing colored jerseys came in Week 15 of the 2025 season, when the Falcons wore black and the Buccaneers donned their Creamsicle uniforms. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 This week, the Dodgers will go head-to-head against the Brewers, and the Guardians will face the Rays in the best-of-seven Championship series. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for head-to-head

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head-to-head was in 1841

Rhymes for head-to-head

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Browse Nearby Words

headtire
head-to-head
head tone
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Cite this Entry

“Head-to-head.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head-to-head. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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