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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

In this unofficial but unavoidable national holiday face-off between two people who have been public in their dislike for each other, Swift gets to fire the first shot. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 Messi began the face-off yesterday by scoring twice at lunchtime in Dallas, but Mbappe and Haaland appeared to see that as a personal affront, matching him as the sun set in Philadelphia and New Jersey. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Verb

Republican county Supervisor Jim Desmond will face off with San Diego Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, a Democrat, for the seat. — Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026 Ridership peaked on June 27 — when Algeria and Austria faced off in a dramatic 3-3 draw in Kansas City — with more than 48,000 passenger rides, setting the single-day record. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off

Noun

The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.

— Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Spain and Portugal renew their historic rivalry, with Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo in contrasting lights.

— Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of rivalry

Verb

The tension between the various competing interests is handled with nuance and without taking sides, all while showing both the pitfalls and the wondrous potential of this annual spectacle.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
There are two possible, competing ways in which dust can affect the Alfvén waves, which in turn could determine how energy is dumped into the corona, heating it.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of compete

Noun

True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

Shopping for cannabis based solely on THC percentage is fundamentally flawed, experts contend.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.

— Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Definition of contend

Noun

Gabriel and Haaland are key men for their countries, too; whoever shades their personal duel will have a great chance of finishing on the winning team.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
As with many Latin American and African teams, Paraguay defend deep and are extremely physical in duels and aerial battles.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026

Definition of duel

Verb

In 2023, more than a decade after a experiencing season-ending racing injuries, Muniz decided to pursue his dream of NASCAR racing full-throttle and announced his return to stock car racing in the ARCA Menards Series.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Ships raced through the night to reach New York Harbor, all trying to be first to dock at Ellis Island.

— Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of race

Noun

Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.

— Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Multiple replay challenges, a pivotal plate tag and a brief benches-clearing confrontation highlighted the drama as the Dodgers became the first team to 60 wins.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The prosecutor argued that Styles’ death was more than a confrontation.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

facelift

face-off

face off

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Style

“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of face-off

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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