semi·fi·nal
ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl 
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
1
: being next to the last in an elimination tournament
2
: of or participating in a semifinal
Examples of semifinal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Despite the opposing emotions heading into the NIT, both teams have rattled off three consecutive wins to set up an NIT semifinal matchup Thursday.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
The Gamecocks defeated unbeaten defending champ UConn, 62-48, in Friday’s first semifinal.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
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Adjective
The Catalan club is in a commanding position to make a record-extending eighth straight semifinal while Madrid would need an unprecedented quarterfinal turnaround to reach the last four for the first time.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Despite the opposing emotions heading into the NIT, both teams have rattled off three consecutive wins to set up an NIT semifinal matchup Thursday.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
Well the Mustangs got that break in the form of a misplay by Frisco Wakeland resulting in a goal by sophomore Paola Granados, giving Grapevine a stunning 1-0 win on Friday in a Class 5A Division 2 state semifinal at the Ford Center.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
The Gamecocks defeated unbeaten defending champ UConn, 62-48, in Friday’s first semifinal.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semifinal
Cite this Entry
“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
semifinal
1 of 2 adjective
semi·fi·nal
ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl
1
: coming before the final round in a tournament
2
: of or taking part in a semifinal
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