showdown

American  

[shoh-daun] / ˈʃoʊˌdaʊn /

noun

• showdowns
  plural

1. the laying down of one's cards, face upward, in a card game, especially poker.

2. a conclusive settlement of an issue, difference, etc., in which all resources, power, or the like, are used; decisive confrontation.

   An international showdown was inevitable.

   Synonyms:

   clash, encounter, climax, crisis

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showdown British  

/ ˈʃəʊˌdaʊn /

noun

1. informal an action that brings matters to a head or acts as a conclusion or point of decision

2. poker the exposing of the cards in the players' hands on the table at the end of the game

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• showdowns
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of showdown

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; show + down ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

showdown showdowns

There is one particular passage Talarico has been partial to of late – the familiar Old Testament showdown between scrappy David and the giant Goliath.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

Voters in Los Angeles will settle a surprisingly competitive mayoral race in Tuesday's midterm vote, a bitter showdown between two progressive women of color who were once allies.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

Two experienced leaders of the largest law enforcement agency in the country face off, four years after their first showdown, to once again helm the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

Former PepsiCo-owned chain switched sides after a secret showdown, replete with taste tests and discussions over strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

I can’t sit through a replay of my showdown with Curtis.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Javadli - a former international gymnast - has also been facing potential arrest for e-crimes - online offences - in the UAE after she livestreamed one of the showdowns last year.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

She primarily writes and produces pieces on geopolitical showdowns, military conflicts and defense issues.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 19, 2026

She primarily writes and produces pieces about geopolitical issues, from superpower showdowns and military conflicts to supply chain snarls and natural resource struggles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 26, 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers lost on Sunday to miss out on clinching NFL playoff berths, setting up a pair of winner-take-all showdowns next week for post-season spots.

From Barron's ● Dec. 28, 2025

No matter how strong I holds, it looks like on the showdowns they outlucks me every time.

From Wolfville by Alfred Henry Lewis

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Related Words

• clash
• crisis

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