FACE OFF Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

face-off 1 of 2

noun

ˈfās-ˌȯf

Definition of face-off

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

face off

2 of 2

verb

as in to compete

to engage in a contest eager to face off with her longtime tennis rival

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Noun

Reuniting Bullock and Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens, the dark fantasy rom-com catches up with the sisters 28 years after their last face-off with evil forces. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 At the weigh-ins and face-off for the IBF heavyweight championship fight, Itauma shoved Hrgovic off the stage and the latter retaliated by slapping the former's face. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Mazzei is facing off against state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D). — Ford McCracken, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026 Just after Patel’s Senate grilling, the Dons faced off against the Swayzes in the championship again. — Richie McGinniss, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off

Noun

The alleged rivalry between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle was seemingly dying down—but then Meghan and Prince Harry moved back to the UK.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026
The group will confront old tensions and determine if these chapters can finally be closed, or if some rivalries are simply too deep to leave in the past.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Verb

Rose was having a standout season with the Rangers, a program on track to make the postseason and compete for the first playoff win in the school’s young history.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
With no party likely to win a majority, Netanyahu’s Likud and its far-right, ultra-Orthodox allies face centrist and left-wing challengers competing to assemble a governing coalition.

— Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of compete

Noun

Still, when the measles outbreak erupted, Bangladesh responded swiftly and initially seemed to be winning the battle.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Policy Policy Your guide to the Supreme Court, federal courts, judicial nominations, and the legal battles shaping American policy.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

State officials contend the walkout is unlawful because the union failed to exempt employees deemed essential to public safety and is not properly engaging in mediations due to the call for a one-day strike.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The Netflix film, which premiered at New York Film Festival earlier this month, is one of 10 Oscar-contending feature documentaries included in Doc Stories’ lineup.

— Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of contend

Noun

Snell opened the seventh by walking Andrew Vaughn and losing an 11-pitch duel to Bauers, who won the battle with a two-run homer.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The anticipated pitchers' duel between Yamamoto and Henderson didn't work out according to plan.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of duel

Verb

Domestic chipmakers are racing to catch up, but their tech still lags the US – and supplies of their cutting-edge models are tight.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Across Formula 1, tech giants are expanding their partnerships with racing teams as AI finds its way into everything from race strategy to fan engagement.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of race

Noun

The five-episode doc follows Five Guys’ global competition of crew members from local qualifying rounds to the ultimate championship.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Economist Thomas Philippon calculates that weakened competition costs the typical household about $300 a month.

— Christopher Marquis, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Last year, a Senatobia officer threatened a Black woman with a Taser, pulling her from her car and onto the ground and arresting her during a confrontation over an accessible parking space in the same Walmart lot where Kohen was shot.

— SOPHIE BATES, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The danger is that Ethiopia’s internal fighting, its confrontation with Eritrea and regional disputes over ports and water could fuel one another.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

facelift

face-off

face off

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“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of face-off

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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