barnburner
Nail-biter of competition
A barnburner is something exceptionally exciting or impressive—an event, performance, or competition that generates intense energy: Last night's game was a real barnburner.
The term evokes a fire so spectacular it could burn down a barn.
In American political history, Barnburners were a faction of 1840s New York Democrats, supposedly willing to burn down the barn to rid it of rats.
Intensely exciting
- electrifyingIntensely thrilling or stimulating
- edge-of-your-seatIntensely suspenseful experience
- grippingHolding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
pulse-pounding · heart-stopping · exhilarating · suspenseful · dramatic · action-packed · breathtaking · nail-biter
Root-indicating symbol
- reformerAgent of institutional improvement
- progressiveFavoring reform and innovation
- factionGroup within group
- DemocratBlue party supporter
1840s · abolitionist · firebrand · agitator · insurgent · zealot · crusader · maverick
Lavish, elaborate entertainment
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- spectacularStrikingly impressive to behold
- displayPresentation for viewing
- exhibitionPublic display of items
showcase · pageantry · carnival · festival · gala · blockbuster · crowd-pleaser · sellout
Decisive final confrontation
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- battleArmed military engagement
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
rivalry · championship · playoffs · tournament · competition · race · face-off · clash
thrilling
Intensely exciting
- electrifyingIntensely thrilling or stimulating
- edge-of-your-seatIntensely suspenseful experience
- grippingHolding attention completely
riveting · pulse-pounding · heart-stopping · exhilarating · suspenseful · dramatic · action-packed · breathtaking · nail-biter · overtime
radical
Root-indicating symbol
- reformerAgent of institutional improvement
- progressiveFavoring reform and innovation
- factionGroup within group
Democrat · 1840s · abolitionist · firebrand · agitator · insurgent · zealot · crusader · maverick
extravaganza
Lavish, elaborate entertainment
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- spectacularStrikingly impressive to behold
- displayPresentation for viewing
exhibition · showcase · pageantry · carnival · festival · gala · blockbuster · crowd-pleaser · sellout · memorable
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- battleArmed military engagement
confrontation · rivalry · championship · playoffs · tournament · competition · race · face-off · clash · elimination
- epic gameschampionship game, playoff game, title match, showdown, decider
- match resultswin, defeat, draw, tie, victory
- finish line expressionsphoto finish, down to the wire, home stretch, final stretch, final lap
- showstoppersshowstopper, showstoppers, knockout, knockouts, stunner