1. a final confrontation or decisive contest between opposing parties
2. the final phase of a poker hand when players reveal their cards
Usage: poker

Examples

• The two candidates prepared for their final showdown in the debate.
• After months of tension, there was bound to be a showdown between the rival gangs.
• The championship game was the ultimate showdown between the two best teams.
• Management and the union are heading toward a showdown over wages.
• In poker, the showdown determines who wins the pot.
• The Western movie ended with a classic showdown at high noon.
• Both sides knew this meeting would be the showdown that decided everything.