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 England reached the semifinal with one of its most talented teams in decades and its own hero, Harry Kane. — Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 The 2-0 win against France in the semifinal was by far its best performance and one that caught the attention of the world. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 In the other semifinal, Sierra Canyon defeated Capistrano Valley 22-7. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 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 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
  • In Paris at the European championships, the corresponding major event across the pond, Italy’s Sara Curtis, who also trains at the University of Virginia, broke the three-year-old 50-meter backstroke mark.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Okada adds that the only thing that matters is keeping the championship in the family.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Earlier on Wednesday, British newspaper The Times reported that Infantino is offering Morocco the rights to host the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for supporting his reelection as FIFA president.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The outdoor space also showcases Red Bull Dance Your Style, a street dancing competition that’s coming to Tampa for the national final in September.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • Barack, meanwhile, suited up in a navy blazer and trousers, adding a white button-down and derby shoes.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The team goals against Panathinaikos, Barnsley and a 93rd-minute derby winner in 2010.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of derby
Noun
  • So far, the cornerbacks have played sticky coverage, caused numerous turnovers and given up few chunk plays in 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 scrimmages.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The 24-year-old product of the University of Texas led the NFL with 2,298 all-purpose yards last year, and no player has more than his 5,648 yards from scrimmage in the last three years.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrimmage
Noun
  • After a late night meal at an Indian restaurant followed by a nightcap at the crew's favorite Italian restaurant, a season's worth of suspicions comes bubbling up for Tony in the form of a violent episode of food poisoning.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on semifinal

Nglish: Translation of semifinal for Spanish Speakers

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