semifinal

noun

Definition of semifinalnext
as in play-off

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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 semifinal Wethersfield, which lost to Glastonbury in the CCC tournament semifinal, is the third seed in Class L with a 14-4 record. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026 The Kazakhstan star will face Leylah Fernandez for the title after the Canadian beat Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 7-5 in the other semifinal. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Kotzmacher helped put White Bear Lake into that semifinal, hitting a seventh-inning, two-run home run in a 3–1 quarterfinal victory over Farmington. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The only other meeting between the Bison and Hornets was in 1988, in an NCAA Division II national semifinal, won by North Dakota State, 42-20. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for semifinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semifinal
  1. play-off
  2. championship
  3. final
  4. derby
  5. scrimmage
  6. nightcap
Noun
  • Vojvodina had beaten Atletico Madrid in a play-off to earn their place and won the first leg against Celtic 1-0.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Following the qualifying and play-off rounds, seven clubs survived to join the 29 squads that qualified in advance.
    — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of play-off
Noun
  • The Brooklyn Nets made their moves for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, then canned Atkinson for a rookie head coach in Steve Nash before truly making a championship push.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Northwestern has made two Big Ten championship game appearances, in 2018 and 2020, both losses to Ohio State.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Haim reflected on her high school flag football career ending after helping lead El Camino Real to last year’s CIF Open Division final.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, was graded as the potential host for the final, the same site as the final of the 2026 World Cup.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • Joseph Paintsil scored his first two goals since August as the Galaxy hung on impressively for a point, but endangered their own playoff hopes by blowing the lead in another thrilling El Tráfico derby.
    — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In a departure from the typical tux, George sported a navy suit, adding a bow tie and a crisp white button-down, along with some black leather derby shoes.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of derby
Noun
  • The Lions led 9-6 with four minutes left in the third when Goff connected with Jameson Williams for a 31-yard pickup — Detroit’s longest play of the game — that set up Gibbs' touchdown run on fourth down, his 11th scrimmage TD this season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • After two straight games with fewer than 100 scrimmage yards, Walker finished with 143 yards and three touchdowns.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of scrimmage
Noun
  • Blum envisions residents and customers will soon be able to walk comfortably from meals at restaurants to grab a nightcap at his lounge without having to go to Prairie Village, Mission or downtown KC for a nice cocktail.
    — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The gathering room feels like the right spot to sip on a nightcap.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of nightcap

Browse Nearby Words

semierect
semifinal
semifinalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semifinal. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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