Synonyms for

Confront

Verb / kʌˈnfrʌnt / Another word for confront — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To face or challenge someone in a direct or hostile manner.

Synonyms & similar words

face present faceup avoid challenge face meet tackle accost antagonize attack brave counter cross

Synonyms by register

Formal

face contend with grapple with oppose

Informal

take on deal with face up to tackle

Literary

encounter assay stand against

Antonyms

avoid evade shun dodge retreat yield submit

Common collocations

  • confront the issue
  • confront the problem
  • confront the challenge
  • confront the enemy
  • confront the truth
  • confrontation with
  • confront directly
  • confront boldly

Word family

noun confrontation
verb confront
adjective confrontational

Usage note

Confront often implies a direct and sometimes aggressive meeting with a person or situation. It can carry a negative connotation of conflict, but also a positive one of courageously facing difficulties.

Example sentences

  1. The superhero will confront the villain to save the city.
  2. I had to confront my fear of heights to climb the mountain.
  3. The teacher will confront the student who cheated on the test.
  4. The police officer had to confront the suspect to make an arrest.
  5. I will confront my boss about the unfair treatment I received at work.

Quotes

  • You can't confront your demons until you've learned their names.
  • We cannot confront what we do not know.
  • It's hard to confront someone who's hurt you, and it takes a lot of bravery to do so.

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