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

Lu’s activities triggered a showdown with Africa’s internet registry.

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In spring 2024, Willis took the stand to defend her decision-making in a rare and tense courtroom showdown between a state district attorney and a defense lawyer.

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Orlando set the stage for a Group B title showdown Friday at Detroit with a 144-103 romp at Philadelphia.

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Friday's Bears at Philadelphia showdown is crucial as well, with each team trailing the Los Angeles Rams by a game in the fight for the NFC top seed and a playoff first-round bye.

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If you tuned into the Culture, Media and Sport committee hearing on Monday expecting a gladiatorial showdown, you'd have been left wondering where the swords were.

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Related Words

• clash 
• crisis