toe to toe

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of toe to toenext
: facing one another

toe-to-toe

2 of 2

adjective or adverb

ˈtō-ˌtə-ˈtō How to pronounce toe-to-toe (audio)
: slugging it out at or as if at close range
a toe-to-toe confrontation over the new policy

Synonyms of toe to toe

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Adjective or adverb

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Examples of toe to toe in a Sentence

Adjective or adverb mom-and-pop grocery stores are usually wildly outmatched when they go toe-to-toe with large chain stores
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.
Phrase
The two leads even go toe to toe with each other in one of the Kings’ giddiest tests of their leads’ developing dynamic. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026 While Georgia is going toe to toe with one of the best teams in the country, Auburn will be at home resting. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective or adverb
Josh Hoover will look to go toe-to-toe with Sayin and stay perfect with no interceptions. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Deal For a Chromebook that'll go toe-to-toe with Windows laptops way above its price range, our top pick is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toe to toe

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toe to toe was circa 1942

Rhymes for toe to toe

See All Rhymes for toe to toe

Browse Nearby Words

toetoe
toe to toe
toe-to-toe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toe to toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toe%20to%20toe. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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