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 Rattlers finished 4-4 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play in 2025, just two seasons removed from winning the Celebration Bowl and a Black college football national championship.
    — John Devine, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Purchased in 1997, the Ferrari made its most notable cameo with Jordan behind the wheel following Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, where Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls dynasty secured their fifth championship.
    — Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Mountain Vista was 12-1 last season, losing in a state semifinal.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In their first national title game, the Wildcats humiliated Oklahoma in the national semifinal by 44, and in their second, demoralized Michigan in the title game by 17.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of semifinal
Noun
  • Arsenal looks to repeat last season’s championship run, and their contentious loss to PSG in the Champions League final could serve as further incentive for Mikel Arteta’s squad to run riot.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That same year, a spectator was struck by a stray bullet during a night match, and Jimmy Connors lunged at a photographer after losing in the final.
    — Ben Ryder Howe, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • On Monday night, there’s a west London derby as Fulham host Chelsea.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Paulsen himself fell in love after attending his very first derby in 1997.
    — Deena Prichep, NPR, 18 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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