barnburners
Nail-biting exciting contests
Barnburners are events, performances, or contests that are intensely exciting or successful—so thrilling they could metaphorically burn down the barn: Last night's game was a real barnburner.
The term often describes close, high-scoring athletic competitions or electrifying shows.
A barnburner of a speech captivates the audience completely.
Intensely thrilling or stimulating
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
- thrillingIntensely exciting
- edge-of-your-seatIntensely suspenseful experience
- grippingHolding attention completely
riveting · heart-pounding · intense · exhilarating · pulse-quickening · nail-biter · showstopper · crowd-pleaser
Concluding part of performance
- culminationHighest or final point
- crescendoGradual increase in loudness
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
- apexUppermost point or culmination
turning point · watershed · game-changer · breakthrough · decisive moment · peak · resolution · showdown
Lavish, elaborate entertainment
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
- premiereFirst public performance
- galaFestive formal occasion
- showcaseCabinet for displaying items
pageantry · fireworks · grand finale · standing ovation · sellout · packed house · marquee · headliner
electrifying
Intensely thrilling or stimulating
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
- thrillingIntensely exciting
- edge-of-your-seatIntensely suspenseful experience
gripping · riveting · heart-pounding · intense · exhilarating · pulse-quickening · nail-biter · showstopper · crowd-pleaser · jaw-dropping
finale
Concluding part of performance
- culminationHighest or final point
- crescendoGradual increase in loudness
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
apex · turning point · watershed · game-changer · breakthrough · decisive moment · peak · resolution · showdown · cliffhanger
extravaganza
Lavish, elaborate entertainment
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
- premiereFirst public performance
- galaFestive formal occasion
showcase · pageantry · fireworks · grand finale · standing ovation · sellout · packed house · marquee · headliner · main event
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
rivalry · championship · playoff · overtime · underdog · victory · defeat · tournament · finals · grudge match
radical
Root-indicating symbol
anti-establishment · progressive · insurgent · firebrand · agitator · maverick · dissident · populist · crusader · zealot
barnburnersblowouts
Decisive one-sided wins
runaways · routs · walkovers · landslides · laughers
barnburnerssnoozers
Dull things or dozers
snoozefests · yawners · duds · bores · anticlimaxes