face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās 

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

• personally

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

Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert, whose staff oversees the cases of more than 600 adults under guardianship and has helped champion the bill, said face-to-face meetings are standard practice in his office prior to appointment and are crucial to properly assessing the person’s needs. —Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026

Last year, Master Gardener volunteers staffed outreach tables at more than 15 locations and 33 community events across the Kansas City metro, sharing information and answering gardening questions face-to-face with the public. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2026

Iran sent its proposal via Pakistan, which hosted face-to-face talks last month between Iran and the United States. —Adam Schreck, Fortune, 3 May 2026

The reunion will serve as the first time Miller will come face-to-face with West and Batula on camera following confirmation of their relationship. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face-to-face

• aromatase
• hydrogenase
• nitrogenase
• oligoclase
• oxygenase
• plagioclase
• polymerase
• streptokinase
• triphosphatase
• abase
• airspace
• apace

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