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
Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
But during a critical semifinal match in 1992, a shoulder injury derailed his ambitions.
—Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2025
Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
The 2025 season was going to be the ultimate referendum on Franklin, the 12th-year coach who won two Playoff games last season to reach the semifinals.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semifinal
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Adjective
Earlier this postseason, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was fined $15,000 for both her conduct and comments in the final 30 seconds and immediate aftermath of Minnesota’s Game 3 semifinal loss to Phoenix.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
But during a critical semifinal match in 1992, a shoulder injury derailed his ambitions.
—Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
After reaching last season’s College Football Playoffs semifinals, the Nittany Lions have started the season with a disappointing 3-3 record after losing their last three games.
—Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
The 2025 season was going to be the ultimate referendum on Franklin, the 12th-year coach who won two Playoff games last season to reach the semifinals.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semifinal
Cite this Entry
“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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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