A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

SEMI

Fri, 30 Dec '22
What comes before a final
Tue, 1 Nov '22
18-wheeler
Sat, 22 Oct '22
Tourney stage
Sun, 4 Sep '22
Highway heavyweight
Sat, 30 Apr '22
Final precursor
Wed, 13 Oct '21
Highway hauler
Sun, 28 Feb '21
Final Four game, e.g.
Thu, 11 Feb '21
Match before the final