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
  • In Paris at the European championships, the corresponding major event across the pond, Italy’s Sara Curtis, who also trains at the University of Virginia, broke the three-year-old 50-meter backstroke mark.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Okada adds that the only thing that matters is keeping the championship in the family.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Nigeria have dominated the continental competition since its inception and had never missed a semifinal in the tournament’s 35-year history.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Salvadoran referee Iván Barton went from packing his bags to calling the France-Spain semifinal, helping make CONCACAF history.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of semifinal
Noun
  • Earlier on Wednesday, British newspaper The Times reported that Infantino is offering Morocco the rights to host the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for supporting his reelection as FIFA president.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The outdoor space also showcases Red Bull Dance Your Style, a street dancing competition that’s coming to Tampa for the national final in September.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • Barack, meanwhile, suited up in a navy blazer and trousers, adding a white button-down and derby shoes.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The team goals against Panathinaikos, Barnsley and a 93rd-minute derby winner in 2010.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 4 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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