Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

face up to

British  

verb

  1. to accept (an unpleasant fact, reality, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

face up to Idioms  
  1. Also, face it. Confront or accept an unpleasant or difficult situation. For example, Jane had to face up to the possibility of being fired, or Face it—you were wrong. [Late 1700s] Also see face the music.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The language echoes Sir Keir's attempted reset speech on Monday, when the prime minister said "incremental change won't cut it" and promised to "face up to the big challenges" the country faced.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Elijah Armstrong, 21, Nino Chindavanh, 21, and Jayden Rucker, 25, each face up to life in prison if convicted.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

If convicted, Lu could face up to 20 years in prison.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

But whatever the complexion of the incoming Welsh government, it will face up to an ageing and potentially budget-draining legacy of health service buildings.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Artemis held the locator’s face up to the cab’s light.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "face up to" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com