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Definition of faceoff

faceoff

/ˈfeɪs.ɔːf/
face · off
Plural:faceoffs
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faceoff Lexical Profile

faceoff Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A method of starting or restarting play in ice hockey, lacrosse, and similar sports, in which two opposing players face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them by an official.

Example

"The center won the crucial faceoff in the final seconds of the third period, allowing his team to score the tying goal."

2

A direct confrontation, argument, or contest between two opposing individuals, groups, or sides.

Example

"The televised debate turned into a heated faceoff between the two leading candidates over economic policy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

As a noun, 'faceoff' (or 'face-off') is written as a single solid or hyphenated word, whereas the corresponding phrasal verb 'face off' is always written as two separate words.

• Nearby Words

facelessness
facelift
facemask
faceoff
facepaint
facepalm
faceplant

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Faceoff. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/faceoff
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