face-to-face

adverb

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās How to pronounce face-to-face (audio)
Definition of face-to-facenext
1
as in personally
in person and usually privately I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in one-on-one
in direct confrontation or competition came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway

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-to-face Younger generations have grown up with technology in a way that’s left them with fewer opportunities to practice face-to-face interactions. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 In this vein, moving away from a brand-centric model and embracing a more client-facing approach, getting to know visitors face-to-face remains the ultimate personalization tool. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Their growing bond eventually led John to propose, and the two met face-to-face for the first time before heading to Mexico with the other engaged couples. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2026 Through the program, workers also hone their presentation skills, collaborate across businesses, and connect face-to-face with senior executives. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 In September 2025, the two met privately, marking their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 While attending Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights in Los Angeles over the weekend, Obsession star Inde Navarrette came face-to-face with the scare actor portraying her character, Nikki Freeman. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 Each episode brings the women face-to-face to share their sides of the story and unpack what really happened. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 But, as always, not every pair lasted through the face-to-face phase of dating. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-to-face
  1. personally
  2. head-to-head
  3. head-on
Adverb
  • Over the next two years, Sguros allegedly personally paid property taxes and a water utility account while both remained in West’s name and used West’s identity on a city building permit application, the affidavit said.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Witt said that following the speech, FBI Director Kash Patel personally assigned the investigation of a list of former agents, including Floris and Benavides, to the FBI's Kansas City field office.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of personally
Adverb
  • The experimental diabetes and obesity drug retatrutide continues to show impressive results in clinical trials, with the latest study comparing the medication head-to-head with the GLP-1 medication Ozempic (semaglutide).
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Lilly’s triple-G drug beats Ozempic in head-to-head study Eli Lilly said this morning that its investigational drug retatrutide was more effective at lowering blood sugar and cutting weight than Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic in a large diabetes study.
    — Elaine Chen, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of head-to-head
Adverb
  • Addressing this head-on, in the moment, could come across as combative.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Chris and Shane are both capable of facing this challenge head-on and finding a way to achieve the results that our fans deserve, which is winning games, getting to the postseason and ultimately winning championships.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of head-on

Browse Nearby Words

facetiousness
face-to-face
facets
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Cite this Entry

“Face-to-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-to-face. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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