Word
showdown
Phoneticsshow·down, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃoʊˌdaʊn/
UK/ʃˈəʊdaʊn/
Definitions
01final confrontation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a final fight or meeting that ends a long argument or competition and decides who wins.
n. a final, decisive confrontation or contest between two opponents to resolve a dispute or determine a winner.
“The two political leaders are preparing for a final showdown on television tonight.”
“After months of public disagreements, the board of directors and the CEO are heading for a dramatic showdown at the annual general meeting.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02poker/cards
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Technical
n. the end of a card game where players show their cards to see who has the best hand.
n. the final phase of a poker hand where remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner of the pot.
“He had been bluffing the whole time, so he was nervous when the game reached the showdown.”
“Only two players remained for the showdown, at which point the challenger revealed a full house to take the entire pot.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Rybakina, though, admitted that she needs to step up her game for Saturday’s showdown against Sabalenka, whom she described as an “unbelievable player”.” “But the real showdown is between Wizz Air and Ryanair, experts say.” Etymology
From show + down.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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