head-to-head

adverb or adjective

ˈhed-tə-ˈhed 

: in a direct confrontation or encounter usually between individuals

teams competing head-to-head for the championship

Synonyms of head-to-head

• toe-to-toe
• one-on-one
• face-to-face
• head-on

Examples of head-to-head in a Sentence

it's fitting that the two best teams during the regular season will go head-to-head for the championship

Recent Examples on the Web

Who won the head-to-head games between the Flyers and Hurricanes this season? —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Kia's minivan recall could make its the competitor, the Toyota Sienna, look even better in a head-to-head comparison. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

For such a system to work properly, it must be well designed, with as few sprinklers as possible to achieve head-to-head coverage, and sprinkler heads positioned to prevent overspray onto paved areas. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

The head-to-head battle between the two candidates began in 2024 when community members of Lincoln were shocked by the announcement of a medical respite center coming to downtown near multiple schools. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for head-to-head

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead