The phrase "stare down" means to look intently at something or someone. If you're trying to avoid repetition in your writing, it's helpful to have a few synonyms ready to use. Some possible options include "gaze fixedly," "peer," "lock eyes," "ogle," "scrutinize," "examine," "survey," "scrutinize," and "peruse." Each of these words has a slightly different connotation, so it's worth choosing one that best fits the tone and context of your writing. Whether you're writing a novel, an essay, or a report, having a diverse vocabulary allows you to express yourself more eloquently while avoiding awkward repetition.