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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.

He was beaten by McIlroy in a play-off last year, but put himself in position to avenge that defeat as McIlroy's stone-cold putter loosened his grip on the tournament.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Three-time runner-up Justin Rose, who is jjoint fourth, is targeting his own redemptive win after losing to McIlroy in last year's sudden-death play-off and credits his own patience for his back-nine climb up the leaderboard.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The Toronto Raptors triumphed 128-114 against the Miami Heat while the Houston Rockets won 113-102 against Philadelphia 76ers to solidify their chances of a play-off place.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Darlington were aiming to sneak a play-off spot at the end of the League Two season and in a match against Bury, were gifted the perfect start.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

I was planning to make some microwave popcorn and watch a National League play-off game on TV.

From "Doing Time Online" by Jan Siebold