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 In her latest clutch playoff performance, Williams scored eight of her 16 points in overtime of Friday’s 87-77 victory at Las Vegas to sweep the best-of-five semifinal. — Janie McCauley, Hartford Courant, 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 In 2024, the teams faced off in a CFP semifinal, which the Buckeyes won 28-14 on their way to the championship. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Moore ended last season with 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as the Ducks made it to the College Football Playoff semifinal before losing, once again, to Indiana. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 5 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
  • LeBron James got the business from Knicks fans still gloating and riding an emotional high from an NBA championship banner celebration.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • LeBron James played spoiler against the New York Knicks on their championship banner night in his first game of his unprecedented 24th NBA season, but not before getting into a war of words with a fan.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Morocco hopes to host the 2030 World Cup final in a 115,000-capacity stadium under construction near Casablanca and has been lauded for its player development through its Mohamed VI Academy, an advanced training complex.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The continent’s inventors are in the spotlight as Johannesburg prepares to host the final of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa prize.
    — Leah Quinn, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • 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
  • Mexico head coach Rafael Márquez had made a point on Friday that his players would be ready for the international derby.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of derby
Noun
  • Carolina linebacker Bobby Okereke sacked McKee on the game’s first play from scrimmage, and the Panthers kept the pressure up in what was a rockfight of a game.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Big shot before the scrimmage A highlight of the evening came early when former KU wing Perry Ellis banked in a halfcourt shot to win $10,000 for KU student Addyson Devlin.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of scrimmage
Noun
  • And Trifecta, an elegant ground-floor lobby bar specializing in mixology, is a fantastic place for a nightcap.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • After a day spent getting your steps in at Regent’s Park or boutique hopping in South Ken, there’s nothing better than a long soak in a roll top tub and a fireside nightcap in the lounge.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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