# faceoff

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/faceoff
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a direct competition or clash between two people, teams, or ideas. You use it when both sides meet to see who wins.

For teachers: a direct confrontation or contest between two opposing parties, teams, or ideas. Often refers to the start of play in ice hockey, where two players compete for the puck after it is dropped.

## Examples

- The game starts with a quick faceoff at center ice.
- The debate turned into a tense faceoff between the two candidates over healthcare costs.
- After months of polite negotiation, the merger talks collapsed into a public faceoff, with both boards issuing rival statements to win shareholder support.

## Synonyms

showdown, confrontation, clash, duel, battle, contest, match

## Usage notes

- Spelled as one word or hyphenated as a noun ('faceoff', 'face-off'); the verb is two words ('face off').

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.