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 Paul Gascoigne’s tears after receiving a booking in England’s semifinal against West Germany became a defining image of the 1990 tournament in Italy. — George Edwards, New York Times, 21 June 2026 Still, his total offensive output (305 yards per game) was the same as his Heisman campaign, and the ‘Noles were undefeated before losing to Oregon and the quarterback noted above in a CFP semifinal. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Sciver-Brunt and former skipper Heather Knight rescued England from 23-3 with a 133-run partnership — the highest ever in a World Cup knockout match — to set South Africa a forbidding 170 target in The Oval semifinal. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 The possible teams in the semifinal include Germany, Paraguay, France, Sweden, South Africa, Canada, Netherlands, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Austria, United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium and Senegal. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 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 26-year-old shooting guard spent two years with the Oklahoma City Thunder organization, earning an NBA championship ring in 2025 before playing for the Austin Spurs last season.
    — Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • The lawsuit was officially launched in July after Hernandez won two state finals in triple jump and high jump, and won second place in long jump, at last year's championships.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of championship
Noun
  • Both men are avid soccer fans, and Starmer cheered on England in person at the Euro 2024 final shortly after taking office — a responsibility that could fall to his successor if England makes it to the World Cup final this year.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Watch the penalty shootout between Manchester United and Chelsea in the Champions League final in 2008.
    — Ashish Malhotra, NPR, 3 July 2026
Definition of final
Noun
  • Mexico vs England should be compelling on so many levels, but the Iberian derby could be a classic.
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • However, black leather derby shoes and an oversized flab bag hit the on-trend accessories notes, creating a fresh feel.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of derby
Noun
  • Blorian has been training with Sporting since the team returned to a mini-preseason on June 11 and was involved in Sporting’s scrimmage with England.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Notre Dame has arguably been more impressive in June than the Aggies, reeling in two five-star players along the line of scrimmage, and adding another top-100 wide receiver this month for good measure.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of scrimmage
Noun
  • As a nightcap, the two soccer heavyweights – Netherlands and Morocco – played a bloody 120 minutes, which also ended in PKs.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • New York had a 12-game losing streak in April, its longest since 2002, and made six errors in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader loss to the Chicago Cubs, their most in a game since 2014.
    — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Definition of nightcap

Browse Nearby Words

semierect
semifinal
semifinalist
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Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semifinal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on semifinal

Nglish: Translation of semifinal for Spanish Speakers

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