face synonyms

face

n.

  1. The front of the head

    visage, countenance, appearance, features, lineaments, silhouette, profile, physiognomy, front, map*, mug*, pan*, puss*, kisser*. *

  2. Facial expression

    look, cast, grimace; see appearance 1, expression 4.

  3. Bold or inconsiderate conduct

    effrontery, impudence, impertinence; see rudeness.

  4. A plane surface

    front, surface, right side, dial; see front 1, plane 1.

  5. Prestige

    status, standing, self-respect; see dignity 1, reputation 2.

  6. Appearance

    light, aspect, presentation; see appearance 1.

face is the basic, direct word for the front of the head; countenance refers to the face as it reflects the emotions or feelings and is, hence, often applied to the facial expression his happy countenance; visage refers to the form, proportions, and expression of the face, especially as indicative of general temperament a man of stern visage; physiognomy refers to the general cast of features, esp. when considered as characteristic of an ethnic group or as supposedly indicative of character the physiognomy of an honest man

fly in the face of

defy, rebel against, disobey; see dare 2, oppose 2.

make a face

distort one's face, grimace, scowl, mug*; see frown.

on the face of it

to all appearances, seemingly, according to the evidence; see apparently.

pull<strong> or </strong>wear a long face*

look sad, scowl, pout; see frown.

set one's face against

oppose, resist, disapprove of, set oneself against; see disapprove 1, oppose 1.

show one's face

be seen, show up, come; see appear 1, 3.

to one's face

face

v.

  1. To confront conflict or trouble

    confront, oppose, defy, meet, dare, brave, challenge, withstand, beard, court, encounter, risk, tolerate, endure, sustain, suffer, bear, tell to one's face, show a bold front, make a stand, meet face to face, look in the eye, grapple with, come to grips with, stand up to, cope with, contend with, deal with, handle, front, brook, allow, stand, submit, go up against, square up to, meet head-on, not shrink from, take it*, bell the cat*, take the bull by the horns*, face the music*; see also endure 2.

    Antonyms evade*, avoid*, run away from.

  2. To put a face on a building

    refinish, front, decorate, surface, dress, smooth the surface of, polish, level, redecorate, remodel, brick over, cover, coat, shingle, side, plaster, stucco, veneer.

  3. To put facing on goods

    line, bind, trim, hem, back, pipe, tuck, overlay, fold, bias.

  4. To look out on

    front, front on, overlook, border, be turned toward, look toward, view, give on or onto.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.