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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of face-off
Charlie Mason, TVLine, 22 July 2025
Imagine showing up to your weekly ice hockey game to play with some of your friends and local talent, but two of the best players in the NHL are ready to face-off against you.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
John Archer, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The long-running series hosted by BMX cyclist TJ Lavin brings together a group of competitors who face off in a series of mental and physical challenges in the quest for a massive cash prize.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Noun
The coach who winds up with the most wins in these face-offs — which will be decided by former coach CeeLo Green — is then guaranteed a second finalist in the Top 4.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 22 July 2025
Imagine showing up to your weekly ice hockey game to play with some of your friends and local talent, but two of the best players in the NHL are ready to face-off against you.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
Joining a 65-inch Bravia 8 II for this year’s exceptionally heavyweight Value Electronics face off were 65-inch versions of Panasonic’s Z95B range, Samsung’s S95F range, and LG’s G5 range.
—John Archer, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The long-running series hosted by BMX cyclist TJ Lavin brings together a group of competitors who face off in a series of mental and physical challenges in the quest for a massive cash prize.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for face-off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for face-off
Noun
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Trump's hardline trade stance, however, risks straining the delicate U.S.-India defense relationship, which has blossomed in recent years in a sign of India's geostrategic importance to the United States amid its rivalry with China.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
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Due to their ensuing real-life and fictional rivalry to reach the top of the WWE pinnacle, there was still some bad blood between Punk and Triple H as the latter moved into an executive position.—
Skyler Trepel,
People.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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In contrast, the Cincinnati area is aging more quickly and struggling to draw in younger workers — a trend that, according to the chamber's report, could hinder the region’s ability to compete with other metros in business growth, infrastructure development, and innovation.—
Randy Tucker,
The Enquirer,
25 July 2025
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Teams are competing to win the $50,000 grand prize.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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The conservancy's location is where multiple lion pride territories converge, creating opportunities to witness territorial battles and hunting behavior.—
Jenn Rice,
Travel + Leisure,
31 July 2025
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There is a battle shaping up for the fourth safety spot between Jefferson, rookie RJ Mickens and Kendall Williamson.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
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In its petition to the Travis County state District Court, IGT contends that donating to a caucus is not the same as contributing to a political campaign.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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At the meeting, Demings contended that having corrections officers — who are county employees — transport detainees to facilities like Alligator Alcatraz, about 240 miles south of the jail, is a bridge too far.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Noun
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The quarterback then took it up a notch, challenging fans to a shotgun duel near the 17th tee.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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More encouraging still is how seamlessly Carreras slotted into that position against Atletico, completing 74 of his 78 passes, winning all eight of his ground duels and defending the wide spaces well.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Even as Russia races to perfect a nuclear-armed spacecraft, its space weapons designers are likely also preparing to launch a stealth alternative to similarly threaten constellations of Western satellites speeding around the planet.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Max Verstappen has raced alongside three different teammates since the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, namely Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Noun
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The annual festival features multiple bock beers from local craft breweries, a sausage cooking competition, live music, from local musicians, local vendors, and the highlight of the day, multiple heats of racing goat.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
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Shares of Apple have tumbled 14% this year, partly on concerns over its high exposure to tariff uncertainty and intensifying competition in smartphones and artificial intelligence sector.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
29 July 2025
Noun
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How Iran responds next could shift the fragile balance between confrontation and peace.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
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According to police, 38-year-old Cynthia Valeska Díaz Sosa was arrested July 9 in Key West after a confrontation with another driver, Perla DeMiller.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/face-off. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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