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.
In head-to-head matchups about who is better suited to be prime minister, Eisenkot has led Netanyahu by a steady margin. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 Racers will go head-to-head two teams at a time, with the top two fastest teams competing in the final race. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo go head-to-head in a killer duet. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Oct. 2026 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 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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