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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.

His last game in charge was a 1-0 play-off defeat by Turkey on 26 March that meant Romania missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Once Wales had missed out after losing their play-off semi-final in March, the dream was gone.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

"I learned a lot from the Sergio play-off and put it into practice, but it wasn't to be," said Rose.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

To come close to matching the romance of Rory McIlroy's magical Masters then surely the Green Jacket in 2026 has to go to the man beaten in the play-off 12 months ago.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 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