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 His eight goals and four assists — including assists on both crucial late-game goals in the heart-stopping semifinal against England — put him in second place behind only France's Kylian Mbappé. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 July 2026 The whole family was in the stands to celebrate England defeating Norway in the quarterfinal, and advancing to face Argentina in the semifinal. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 Then Spain completely disoriented France throughout Tuesday’s semifinal, shutting out the potent French attack. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 July 2026 Head to Smorgasburg in downtown Atlanta for an ice cream festival, get tickets to a dim sum rave at Minhwa Spirits and watch a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Monday Night Brewing. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 14 July 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
  • 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
Definition of play-off
Noun
  • These strategic acquisitions aim to strengthen the Yankees' roster for their championship aspirations.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • One major difference is that sports are weighted based on NFHS and statewide participation numbers and the number of championships awarded by the GHSA.
    — Chip Saye, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Part of ‘The Invincibles’ Baresi was part of the Italy squad that won the 1982 World Cup and captained the team to the 1994 final, which ended in a narrow penalty shootout loss to Brazil, with Baresi among the players who failed to score.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • But knowing how these shows work, Aaron will probably go home and Bryan and Bi will make it to the final to continue their rivalry there.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • There were some wild scenes at the end of the Hell is Real derby.
    — Tom Bogert, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Kévin Denkey scored in the 9th minute to give Cincinnati (6-6-5) an early lead in the 22nd edition of the Hell is Real derby between the Ohio rivals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of derby
Noun
  • One back will not replace Emmett Johnson’s 1,851 yards from scrimmage in an All-America 2025 season.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Gibbs is the one of four players in league history to gain at least 4,500 yards from scrimmage and score 45-plus touchdowns through three seasons, joining Hall of Famers Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson and Barry Sanders, a former Lions star.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of scrimmage
Noun
  • Ceddanne Rafaela added an RBI single for the Red Sox, who closed a 10-game homestand 8-2, including a victory on Wednesday that matched a club-record 15-game winning streak from 1946 before it was stopped in the nightcap of a split doubleheader.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Trouble winding down before bed has more people reaching for a warm mug or a calming tea instead of a nightcap.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on semifinal

Nglish: Translation of semifinal for Spanish Speakers

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