a staring contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a staring contest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a game or challenge where two people try to maintain eye contact without blinking. Example: "During the break, we decided to have a staring contest to see who would blink first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I'm not going to have a staring contest.

The New York Times - Sports

The director and comic actor Christopher Guest "looks like the winner of a staring contest".

The New York Times - Books

A staring contest with an empty seat can prove preferable to even the briefest human interaction.

The New York Times

His fellow resident Stephanoatsee tried to start a staring contest from a round pen.

The New York Times

What we have now is a staring contest between the two clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

The portrait session becomes a staring contest, and no one wins.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sometimes after a long staring contest with a great piece of art, you might feel a little exhausted, maybe even start seeing things.

Huffington Post

Absurdity, a hallmark of much post-object art, is lost on this critical crowd whether it is a Marina Abramovic staring contest hosted by the Museum of Modern Art or a viral video of a baseball player getting soaked by a bucket of ice during pregame warmups.

Huffington Post

(A brief staring contest).

The New Yorker

Across the pond on London, things picked up during a heated staring contest.

The Guardian - Sport

The stalemate has devolved into a political staring contest that could determine who controls the largest House Republican majority in generations, and neither side appears ready to blink.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a staring contest" to describe a lighthearted game or a serious power dynamic where maintaining eye contact is a key element. It is appropriate for both informal and formal contexts, depending on the surrounding language.

Common error

While "a staring contest" is widely understood, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "prolonged observation" or "intense visual interaction" if the situation requires a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a staring contest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of competition or game involving sustained eye contact. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is often used to describe a direct confrontation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a staring contest" is a common noun phrase that refers to a game or challenge where participants attempt to outlast each other by maintaining eye contact. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it is more frequently found in news and media sources and is considered neutral to slightly informal. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "prolonged gaze" or "intense visual interaction". Remember to use "a staring contest" to accurately describe the playful or competitive dynamic of unbroken eye contact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gaze duel

Emphasizes the confrontational aspect using "duel" to highlight the competitive nature of holding a gaze.

an eye-to-eye challenge

Highlights the directness and confrontational nature, focusing on the physical aspect of meeting someone's eyes.

a prolonged gaze

Focuses on the duration of the stare, suitable when the contest involves holding eye contact for an extended period.

a visual standoff

Emphasizes the stalemate aspect, suitable when the contest is part of a larger conflict or negotiation.

an unbroken gaze

Highlights the continuous nature of the stare, emphasizing the effort to avoid blinking or looking away.

a long hard look

Suggests a more scrutinizing and intense observation, which may or may not be part of a formal contest.

a face-off

Emphasizes the confrontational and competitive aspect of the situation. This phrase is less specific to staring.

a test of wills

Focuses on the mental fortitude required to maintain eye contact without looking away, highlighting the psychological aspect.

a battle of the eyes

Uses "battle" to show the competitive element, turning the staring into a fight.

intense eye contact

Describes the act of staring intensely without the competitive implication of a contest.

FAQs

How can I use "a staring contest" in a sentence?

You can use "a staring contest" to describe a game where two people try to maintain eye contact without blinking, such as, "The children engaged in "a staring contest" to pass the time."

What's a more formal way to say "a staring contest"?

While "a staring contest" is common, you could use "intense visual interaction" or "prolonged mutual gaze" in more formal settings. However, keep in mind that these options might lack the playful connotation of "a staring contest".

Is "staring match" the same as "a staring contest"?

"Staring match" and "a staring contest" are often used interchangeably to describe the same activity: a competition where two individuals attempt to outlast each other by maintaining eye contact without blinking or looking away.

What is the purpose of "a staring contest"?

The purpose of "a staring contest" can vary. It can be a game played for amusement, a test of wills or intimidation, or even an element in performance art exploring themes of connection and vulnerability.