face-to-face

adverb or adjective

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

Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As digital natives, this younger generation is accustomed to communicating online instead of through face-to-face interactions. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The robot's cameras allow for face-to-face communication between law enforcement and individuals without the risk of in-person confrontation. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 29 Feb. 2024 The video of King Charles looking through the well-wishes came two days after his first face-to-face meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since the monarch began treatment for cancer. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 Scrapping fares also prevented passengers from clustering around fare boxes and eliminated the need for some face-to-face interactions. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 So to be able to step in at the Royal Rumble and us two being able to come face-to-face in the ring and the crowd goes crazy, just knowing the potential of what this can be, is crazy. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2024 Hudak initially said during the sit-down interview with the Herald that the conversation with Gattis happened face-to-face, possibly at the university. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Fortunately, his new company was willing to do a face-to-face assessment with his new boss. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2024 In one prophetic flash-forward, Paul stands face-to-face with his sister (played by an uncredited Anya Taylor-Joy), though the events of the film take place entirely before her birth. Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'face-to-face.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near face-to-face

Cite this Entry

“Face-to-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face-to-face. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on face-to-face

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