faces
/ˈfeɪsɪz/
NOUN
1. The front parts of the head
The front parts of the heads of humans or animals, including the eyes, nose, mouth, and surrounding features.
1.1. Human facial features and appearance
Refers to the visible facial features or overall appearance of multiple people or animals.
Synonyms
Examples
- The children's faces lit up with excitement when they saw the presents.
- The photographs showed the tired faces of the workers.
Related Words
- foreheads
- cheeks
- chins
- mouths
- eyes
- lineaments
NOUN
2. Facial expressions
The visible expressions on people's faces that communicate emotions, feelings, attitudes, or reactions.
2.1. Expressions of emotions
Describes the facial expressions people display to communicate happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, or other emotions.
Synonyms
- expressions
- looks
- miens
- countenances
- visages
Examples
- The children's faces showed disappointment when the trip was canceled.
- The audience's faces reflected a mixture of surprise and excitement.
Related Words
- smiles
- frowns
- grimaces
- scowls
- grins
- glances
2.2. Distorted or exaggerated expressions
Refers to exaggerated or distorted facial expressions that convey displeasure, amusement, mockery, or discomfort.
Synonyms
- grimaces
- frowns
- moues
- scowls
- pouts
Examples
- The children made funny faces during the photography session.
- The actors pulled exaggerated faces to entertain the audience.
Related Words
- smirks
- sneers
- winces
- simpering
- expressions
NOUN
3. Outward appearances or public images
The external appearances, impressions, or representations presented by people, organizations, or situations.
3.1. Public image and outward appearance
Describes the external image or impression presented to others, sometimes concealing the actual nature or reality of something.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- realities
- truths
Examples
- The politicians maintained friendly faces despite their disagreements.
- Behind the cheerful faces of the organizations were serious internal problems.
Related Words
- impressions
- reputations
- disguises
- masks
- pretense
- representations
NOUN
4. Different aspects or characteristics
The various aspects, dimensions, or characteristics of people, objects, or situations.
4.1. Different aspects of a subject
Refers to the distinct sides, dimensions, or characteristics of something that has several different qualities or perspectives.
Synonyms
- aspects
- sides
- facets
- characters
- appearances
Examples
- The investigation revealed several unexpected faces of the political conflict.
- The documentary explored the different faces of modern society.
Related Words
NOUN
5. Presence or recognizable people
The visible presence or recognizable appearance of people, especially those known or familiar within a particular place or group.
5.1. Familiar and recognizable individuals
Uses faces as a metonym for people, particularly individuals who are familiar, recognizable, or associated with a particular community or organization.
Synonyms
- people
- individuals
- persons
- personalities
- somebodies
Examples
- The conference attracted many familiar faces from the technology industry.
- Several new faces joined the organization this year.
Related Words
- acquaintances
- celebrities
- public figures
- visitors
- members
NOUN
6. Reputation and social standing
The dignity, honor, prestige, or reputation that someone maintains in the eyes of other people.
6.1. Dignity and personal reputation
Describes a person's social standing, honor, or self-respect, particularly in situations involving embarrassment, criticism, or public judgment.
Synonyms
- dignities
- prestiges
- reputations
- standings
- honors
- self-respects
Antonyms
- disgraces
- humiliations
- ill repute
Examples
- The executives tried to save their faces after the embarrassing announcement.
- The scandal damaged the public faces of several prominent politicians.
Related Words
- respect
- esteem
- status
- social position
- self-confidence
NOUN
7. Boldness or shameless confidence
An attitude of excessive confidence, audacity, or disregard for social conventions and other people's feelings.
7.1. Audacity and impudence
Describes shameless boldness or excessive self-assurance, especially when someone behaves disrespectfully or makes an unreasonable demand.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- modesty
- humility
- bashfulness
- timidity
- shyness
Examples
- He had the faces to demand compensation after causing the damage.
- The employees were surprised by the sheer audacity of the manager's demands.
Related Words
- arrogance
- presumption
- brashness
- overconfidence
- self-assurance
NOUN
8. Surfaces or front sides of objects
The front, outer, or exposed surfaces of objects, structures, or geometric solids.
8.1. Physical surfaces and sides
Refers to the visible or exposed surfaces of objects, especially their front-facing or outer sides.
Synonyms
- surfaces
- fronts
- sides
- exteriors
Antonyms
- interiors
- backs
- insides
Examples
- The faces of the building were decorated with intricate stone carvings.
- The geometric solid has six flat faces.
Related Words
8.2. Clock and watch dials
Describes the numbered or marked surfaces of clocks and watches on which the time is displayed.
Synonyms
- dials
Examples
- The antique clocks had beautifully decorated faces.
- The watches featured black faces with silver numbers.
Related Words
NOUN
9. The mouths of people
Informal references to people's mouths, particularly when describing their appearance or expressions.
9.1. Informal reference to mouths
Uses face or facial slang to refer to the mouth as part of someone's appearance or expression.
Synonyms
- mouths
- kissers
- mugs
Examples
- The children covered their faces with their hands while laughing.
- The comedians made funny expressions with their mouths.
Related Words
NOUN
10. Facial makeup
Cosmetic products or their application to the face to enhance, alter, or improve physical appearance.
10.1. Cosmetics and facial appearance
Refers to makeup applied to the face, particularly a complete cosmetic look or application.
Synonyms
Examples
- The performers had elaborate faces for the theatrical production.
- The makeup artists created several dramatic looks for the models.
Related Words
- foundations
- powders
- concealers
- blushes
- cosmetics
VERB
11. To confront or deal with challenges
To encounter, accept, or deal directly with difficult situations, problems, responsibilities, or unpleasant realities.
11.1. Dealing with difficulties and problems
Describes encountering or taking responsibility for challenging, unpleasant, or demanding situations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- avoid
- evade
- dodge
- sidestep
- shirk
- escape
Examples
- The company faces serious financial difficulties.
- Many families face uncertainty during economic downturns.
Related Words
- challenges
- obstacles
- adversities
- difficulties
- responsibilities
- consequences
11.2. Confronting opposition or competition
Describes directly opposing, challenging, or competing against another person, team, or opposing force.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The teams face their strongest rivals in the final match.
- The candidates face increasing opposition during the election.
Related Words
- opponents
- rivals
- competitions
- conflicts
- confrontations
11.3. Encountering an expected situation
Describes having an event, possibility, consequence, or circumstance ahead that someone must experience or deal with.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- avoid
- escape
- elude
- evade
Examples
- The workers face another round of possible layoffs.
- Many students face important decisions about their future.
Related Words
- prospects
- possibilities
- uncertainties
- risks
- outcomes
VERB
12. To turn or direct toward something
To position oneself or something so that the front is directed toward a particular person, object, place, or direction.
12.1. Turning toward a person or object
Describes directing the front of the body or face toward another person or object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- turn away
- retreat
- withdraw
Examples
- The performers face the audience during the final scene.
- The children face their teacher while listening to instructions.
Related Words
- direction
- orientation
- position
- posture
- alignment
12.2. Buildings and objects oriented in a direction
Describes the direction in which the front of a building, room, or physical object is positioned.
Synonyms
- overlook
- front onto
- orient toward
Antonyms
- back onto
- turn away from
Examples
- The houses face a beautiful park.
- The hotel rooms face the ocean.
Related Words
- frontage
- exterior
- direction
- position
- outlook
VERB
13. To cover or finish a surface
To cover, line, decorate, or finish the front or outer surface of an object with another material.
13.1. Applying decorative or protective coverings
Describes covering the front or visible surface of an object with another material for decoration, protection, or appearance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The workers face the walls with decorative stone.
- The cabinet makers face the wooden panels with polished veneer.
Related Words
13.2. Smoothing or shaping surfaces
Describes machining, dressing, or smoothing the flat surface of a material or manufactured object.
Synonyms
- smooth
- polish
- refinish
Antonyms
- roughen
Examples
- The machinists face the metal components to create smooth surfaces.
- The workers face the stones before using them in construction.
Related Words
- machining
- surface finishing
- polishing
- stonework
VERB
14. To arrange merchandise for display
To organize and position products in a retail store so that their fronts are visible and the merchandise appears neat and attractive.
14.1. Retail merchandising and shelf arrangement
Describes arranging products on shelves or displays so their labels and packaging face outward and merchandise looks orderly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- disarrange
- hide
Examples
- Employees face the products every morning to keep the shelves tidy.
- The store manager asks staff to face all the merchandise before opening.
Related Words
- merchandising
- retail
- shelves
- stock
- product displays