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Showing results for play off. Search instead for playof.
Definitions

play off

[pley-awf, -of] / ˈpleɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
VERB
counter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
counteract foil offset oppose resist respond retaliate ward off
STRONG
backtalk beat bilk buck circumvent contravene cross dash disappoint frustrate hinder match meet parry pit return ruin vie
WEAK
counterwork fly in the face of have bone to pick hit back take on thumbs-down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist help support
STRONG
agree allow divide encourage facilitate permit separate
VERB
thwart
Synonyms
STRONGEST
circumvent counter curb defeat foil frustrate hinder impede obstruct oppose prevent stop stymie
STRONG
baffle balk beat bilk check confuse cramp cross dash disappoint ditch dodge duck outwit pit restrain ruin trammel upset
WEAK
dead-end foul up give the slip hold up take down take the wind out of (one's) sails upset the apple cart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abet aid allow assist encourage facilitate help support
STRONG
clear up free hasten let go multiply
WEAK
forward
VERB
vie
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contend strive
STRONG
buck challenge contest counter match oppose pit play push rival struggle sweat
WEAK
be rivals go for go for broke go for the gold go for the jugular jockey for position scramble for
Antonyms
STRONG
agree aid assist help support

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Italy missed out on a spot at this summer's showpiece event when they were beaten 4-1 on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday's play-off.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The Leopards reached the finals on Tuesday when Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the play-off.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Wales missed out on World Cup qualification in agonising fashion last Thursday, losing their play-off semi-final to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

They were heading for the play-off until Belarus did them the most enormous favour in Copenhagen.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The ideal way to break a tie is to have a play-off between the two players.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.