semifinalists
Four remaining competitors
Semifinalists are competitors who have advanced past early rounds but must win again to reach the final.
The term appears in tournaments, competitions, and selection processes: Four semifinalists will compete for two spots in the championship.
In academic contexts, semifinalists have passed initial screening but await final selection: National Merit semifinalists.
Words limiting scope
- quarterfinalistsCompetitors in round of eight
- contendersThose seeking to win
- challengersThose who compete against
- hopefulsPeople seeking success
entrants · participants · rivals · opponents · underdogs · favorites · seeded · bracket
Second from the end
- preliminaryBefore the main part
- quarterfinalsPenultimate four matches
- tiebreakerContest deciding drawn competitors
- deciderOne who resolves matters
clinch · cutoff · threshold · advancing · proceeding
Notable event marking progress
- accomplishmentSuccessful completion of aim
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- meritDeserved praise-worthiness
qualification · advancement · breakthrough · excellence · attainment · progression · success · shortlist
qualifiers
Words limiting scope
- quarterfinalistsCompetitors in round of eight
- contendersThose seeking to win
- challengersThose who compete against
hopefuls · entrants · participants · rivals · opponents · underdogs · favorites · seeded · bracket · elimination
penultimate
Second from the end
- preliminaryBefore the main part
- quarterfinalsPenultimate four matches
- tiebreakerContest deciding drawn competitors
decider · clinch · cutoff · threshold · advancing · proceeding
milestone
Notable event marking progress
- accomplishmentSuccessful completion of aim
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
merit · qualification · advancement · breakthrough · excellence · attainment · progression · success · shortlist · selection
- competitorscompetitor, contestant, competitors, rivals, opponents
- candidatescandidate, candidates, nominee, nominees, contender
- championschampions, gold medalists, titleholders, victors, world champions