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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.

The Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a NFL play-off spot for a third straight year.

From BBC

The result keeps the Texans' hopes of winning the AFC South alive and also eliminates division rivals Indianapolis Colts, who started the season 7-1, from play-off contention.

From BBC

DR Congo were, therefore, forced to settle for second place but can still make the World Cup if they win a one-off play-off against New Caledonia or Jamaica in Mexico in March.

From Barron's

The Detroit Lions produced a terrible display as they were dumped out of play-off contention in one of three eventful Christmas Day games in the NFL.

From BBC

Detroit faced a must-win in Minnesota but crumbled against the Vikings defence in a statistically wild game - and a loss that handed a Christmas present to the Green Bay Packers as they booked a play-off spot as a result.

From BBC

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