showdown

noun

show·​down ˈshō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
Synonyms of showdownnext
1
: the placing of poker hands faceup on the table to determine the winner of a pot
2
: a decisive confrontation or contest

Examples of showdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That said, the fall from the second story during her showdown with Tyler most likely left her severely injured. — Jane Lacroix, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 In 1999, Big Pun and Fat Joe attended WrestleMania 15 in Philadelphia — a night that flipped the First Union Center into a battleground for some of wrestling’s most brutal showdowns. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025 In the preview build, there were two levels: the streets of New York culminating in a fight with the villain Beetle, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier that ends with a showdown with Taskmaster. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025 Leagues Cup action continues on Sunday night with an exciting showdown between Liga MX club Santos Laguna and the Seattle Sounders. — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showdown

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showdown was in 1870

Rhymes for showdown

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Browse Nearby Words

show dog
showdown
showdown inspection
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Cite this Entry

“Showdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showdown. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

showdown

noun
show·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce showdown (audio)
: the test of strength that finally settles a dispute

More from Merriam-Webster on showdown

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for showdown

Nglish: Translation of showdown for Spanish Speakers

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