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
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of semifinal
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
  • 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
  • At least the final, a genuinely fierce local derby, produced an exciting game with six goals, and the nature of the host nation triumphing helped to popularise the basic concept of spending huge sums of money to stage FIFA’s tournament.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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