showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
Synonyms of showdownnext
1
: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot
2
: a decisive confrontation or contest

Examples of showdown in a Sentence

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.
Now, on to the safety car restart showdown that never happened, and hurt Hamilton. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 7 July 2026 Tonight’s World Cup showdown between the US and Belgium was already huge. — Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Witness the ongoing reaction to the most recent bear encounter, a bloody showdown that swept across TV, newspapers and social media. — Steve Searles, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 The convincing result booked the Belgian national team, currently ranked eighth in the world, to a quarterfinal showdown with Spain, ranked third in the world and one of the tournament favorites. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for showdown

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

Rhymes for showdown

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Browse Nearby Words

show dog
showdown
showdown inspection
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Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

showdown

noun
show·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute

More from Merriam-Webster on showdown

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for showdown

Nglish: Translation of showdown for Spanish Speakers

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