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 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

A third defeat in a row finished off Detroit's play-off hopes and although injuries have played a part, the manner of those losses when the pressure was on will be a concern for head coach Dan Campbell in the off-season.

From BBC

But the Chiefs have since looked a shadow of their former selves, being eliminated from play-off contention with three games of the regular season remaining.

From BBC

DR Congo were semi-finalists at the last Cup of Nations and are also hoping to qualify for the 2026 World Cup -- they will do so if they win a play-off against New Caledonia or Jamaica in March.

From Barron's

play off

Example Sentences

Related Words