one-on-one

adjective or adverb

ˌwən-ȯn-ˈwən How to pronounce one-on-one (audio)
ˌwən-än-
Synonyms of one-on-onenext
1
: playing directly against a single opposing player
2
: involving a direct encounter between one person and another

Synonyms of one-on-one

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Examples of one-on-one in a Sentence

bragged that no one could go one-on-one with her in a game of darts and win
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 overtime is sometimes related to one-on-one care for psychiatric patients who might be suicidal or in danger of harming other patients or staff members. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 The Capricorn Moon squares the Libra Sun, making one-on-one expectations bump against your need for comfort or personal space. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Abbey Graf is among a handful of participants selected to work one-on-one with a financial expert for CNN’s Savings Challenge. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 If a game is tied after the time limit, a one-on-one showdown replaces traditional extra innings. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-on-one

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-on-one was in 1940

Rhymes for one-on-one

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Browse Nearby Words

one-one
one-on-one
one or the other
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Cite this Entry

“One-on-one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-on-one. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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