face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās How to pronounce face-to-face (audio)
Synonyms of face-to-facenext
1
: within each other's sight or presence
met and talked face-to-face
a face-to-face consultation
2
: in or into direct contact or confrontation
came face-to-face with the problem

Synonyms of face-to-face

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Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway
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.
An Australian surfer came face-to-face with a shark last month while surfing alone at Glenfield Beach on the coast of Western Australia. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Truly sensitive discussions may require an old-school face-to-face meetup. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026 The conversation seems to turn tense when Hanks speaks face-to-face with André and security personnel block the view. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Or two birds face-to-face in close proximity, covering themselves with their wings as if to share a secret kiss away from prying eyes, could evoke a giggle. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-to-face

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of face-to-face was in the 14th century

Rhymes for face-to-face

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Browse Nearby Words

face title
face-to-face
face towel
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Cite this Entry

“Face-to-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face-to-face. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

face-to-face

adverb or adjective
ˌfās-tə-ˈfās
1
: within each other's close presence
met face-to-face
2
: in or into direct contact or confrontation
face-to-face with a crisis
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