showdown

[shoh-doun]

noun

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

showdown

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of showdown¹

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

Example Sentences

Instead of shaping the trajectory of an entire campaign, they become more like opportunities for teams to size each other up with an eye on a potential playoff showdown later on.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Europe went on to eke out a 15-13 win, marking the first time since Europe’s win in 2012 that either side had managed to win this biennial showdown on foreign soil.

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If the U.S. keeps spending too much, taxing too little and running up debt, eventually the U.S. will face a proper bond market showdown.

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At the same time, Maduro is trying to signal to the U.S. that he wants to negotiate an end to the showdown.

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It’s a Western League showdown featuring Venice’s stingy defense against a Palisades offense that hasn’t been held below 35 points this season.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clash 
• crisis