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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.

Mark Robins guided them from League Two to the brink of the Premier League, losing on penalties in the play-off final to Luton in 2023.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Nevertheless, Mark Sampson's side rallied for the third-placed play-off, and Fara Williams' extra-time penalty ensured England beat Germany for the first time in 31 years to clinch the bronze medal.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

That took the defending champion above Van Veen into fifth and to within three points of Van Gerwen in the final play-off place.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

If Arsenal and City are equal on all of the above, then the title will be decided by the winner of a play-off match.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

‘One time in the middle of a play-off game I had to splint a quarterback’s leg with nothing but tree branches and strapping tape.’

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan