semifinal

noun

Definition of semifinalnext
as in play-off

Related Words

Relevance

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 In their first national title game, the Wildcats humiliated Oklahoma in the national semifinal by 44, and in their second, demoralized Michigan in the title game by 17. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026 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 Morocco’s bid to reach the final for the third time straight ended after defeat to Cameroon on penalties in their semifinal. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 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
  • The Rattlers finished 4-4 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play in 2025, just two seasons removed from winning the Celebration Bowl and a Black college football national championship.
    — John Devine, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Purchased in 1997, the Ferrari made its most notable cameo with Jordan behind the wheel following Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, where Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls dynasty secured their fifth championship.
    — Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • During the final of three pre-trial hearings in the criminal case involving Deputy Richard Fatherley, 29th Judicial District Court Judge Aaron Roberts ruled that the state did not submit substantial probable cause to move that case to trial.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sixty-three million Americans watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
    — Ben Reynolds, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • On Monday night, there’s a west London derby as Fulham host Chelsea.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Paulsen himself fell in love after attending his very first derby in 1997.
    — Deena Prichep, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of derby
Noun
  • Aledo passed the eye test and looked strong in its scrimmage with Southlake Carroll.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And being 0-2 entering their final glorified scrimmage against Seattle on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium says little to nothing at all about where this team is going.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrimmage
Noun
  • Hit Audubon’s Hotel + Restaurant for pasta before grabbing a nightcap paired with live music at its speakeasy-style listening room, the Midnight Slip.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The final night, ahead of Tuesday's closing MSG show, brings a live three-piece jazz band performing songs from the album in-store, followed by a post-show nightcap.
    — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All