as in play-off
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Recent Examples of semifinal
Newport Harbor dispatched San Marcos 15-10 in the other semifinal.
—
Dan Albano, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
Aside from the game-winner, much of the glory goes to Tuffy, who followed a 40-save outing against Boston College in last week’s semifinal with an all-time showing in the championship.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Did anyone watch the semifinal?
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
His announcement comes five days after the Ducks lost big in the Peach Bowl to Indiana in a College Football Playoff semifinal and gives Oregon head coach Dan Lanning his biggest news of the offseason.
—Grace Raynor, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semifinal
Dan Albano, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
Aside from the game-winner, much of the glory goes to Tuffy, who followed a 40-save outing against Boston College in last week’s semifinal with an all-time showing in the championship.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Did anyone watch the semifinal?
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
His announcement comes five days after the Ducks lost big in the Peach Bowl to Indiana in a College Football Playoff semifinal and gives Oregon head coach Dan Lanning his biggest news of the offseason.
—Grace Raynor, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semifinal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semifinal
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Jared Verse leaned over the microphone during his Thursday press conference, dripping sweat from the Rams’ first full practice ahead of their NFC championship game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
25 Jan. 2026
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The decision is a break from the president’s appearance at last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, which marked the first time a sitting president had attended the National Football League championship game.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The UConn hockey team got goals from five different players and held off a pesky Yale squad to advance to the final of the CT Ice tournament with a 5-2 win over the Elis on Friday night at Ingalls Rink.—
From Staff Reports,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
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The win helped Washington reach its second final in as many years.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Detroit Pistons One of the season’s biggest success stories will likely stay over the cap but below the tax because retaining either Jalen Duren or Jaden Ivey takes them out of the cap-space derby.—
Danny Leroux,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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The home run derby used to settle ties, as seen in last year’s All-Star Game?—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Tucker consistently found himself in the backfield during the scrimmage while Jacas and Young made opposing offensive linemen look like turnstiles in 1-on-1s.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
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Payton fumbled on the second play from scrimmage, and the Patriots recovered at the Bears' 19-yard line.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After being disinvited from a fireside chat with Fortune magazine, Newsom’s office was offered a casual ‘VIP nightcap’ instead.—
Melody Gutierrez,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
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Cap off your evening back at the hotel with a nightcap by the pool surrounded by shimmering city lights.—
Kathryn Streeter,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semifinal. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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