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
  • Dominik Mombeleur had 14 strikeouts in the championship game.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Eagles have won two consecutive Sunshine State Athletic Association state championships.
    — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Saturday was the first game without a goal for LAFC since losing to another Mexican side, Toluca, 4-0 on May 6 in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal.
    — Josh Gross, Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Kirk got the win with 5 1/3 innings to beat NorCal in the unofficial state title game in the region opener on Sunday, two days before Martinez hurled a complete-game one-hitter to beat Hawaii in the region semifinal.
    — Dennis Pope, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of semifinal
Noun
  • Both teams are eyeing crucial points across the two-test series for staying in contention for the 2027 World Test Championship final.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The 25-year-old from California opened the final with some swagger, popping four aces in the first game, but his self-assurance quickly ebbed.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • Varas introduced San Diego’s new Designated Player, Elias Achouri, into the Southern California derby in the 54th minute.
    — Josh Gross, Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The fact is, MLB’s next expansion derby isn’t going to be won by the city that wakes up after Commissioner Rob Manfred fires the starting gun.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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