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 move instantly turned the Clippers, who have never made the NBA Finals, into a championship contender.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Trump joined Infantino on stage after the World Cup final in New Jersey to present the championship trophy to Spain.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Athletic will be back at home to face Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, and then welcomes the Colorado Switchbacks for their USL Cup semifinal on September 8.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026
  • No player with a one-handed backhand has reached a Grand Slam semifinal in 2026.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of semifinal
Noun
  • During the final of three pre-trial hearings in the criminal case involving Deputy Richard Fatherley, 29th Judicial District Court Judge Aaron Roberts ruled that the state did not submit substantial probable cause to move that case to trial.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sixty-three million Americans watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
    — Ben Reynolds, Sportico.com, 27 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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