play-off

noun

Definition of play-offnext
as in championship

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of play-off In great news, the Minnesota Lynx’s were the first team to clinch a play-off spot, a top spot at that. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Those placed ninth to 24th will square off across two-legged play-off ties to decide who joins those elite eight in the last 16. — Jack Bantock, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 The Maroons ascended back to France's top tier in the summer after winning their play-off match to return after just a single season. — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 This includes the promotion/relegation play-off games and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup next year to kick off the 2026-27 season. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for play-off
  1. championship
  2. semifinal
  3. final
  4. derby
Noun
  • The results have shown — from 5-7 and missing a bowl game in 2022 to 7-6 in 2023 to 10-3 in 2024 but collapsing at the end to 13-3 and a run to the national championship last season.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • After an exhilarating five and a half weeks, the 2026 World Cup is nearing the championship match.
    — India Roby, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Nobody has scored more World Cup goals than Lionel Messi, who is up to 21 heading into Argentina’s Wednesday semifinal against England.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Head to Smorgasburg in downtown Atlanta for an ice cream festival, get tickets to a dim sum rave at Minhwa Spirits and watch a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Monday Night Brewing.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of semifinal
Noun
  • For one, only Pedro Porro, Rodri, Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal from the starting XI in 2023 will be major players in Sunday’s final.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Though the World Cup is set to end on Sunday, as Spain faces Argentina in the tournament final, Chattanooga stands to gain from its hospitality in at least one other way.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • Mexico vs England should be compelling on so many levels, but the Iberian derby could be a classic.
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • However, black leather derby shoes and an oversized flab bag hit the on-trend accessories notes, creating a fresh feel.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of derby

Browse Nearby Words

playmates
play-off
play-offs
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Cite this Entry

“Play-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/play-off. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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