lead-up
Time before something
The lead-up to something is the period or sequence of events preceding it: In the lead-up to the election, polling showed a tight race.
The term emphasizes preparation or buildup rather than the main event itself.
Often used with "to": the lead-up to war, the lead-up to Christmas.
Introductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- prefaceIntroductory book section
- forewordIntroductory book section
overture · opener · precursor · preliminary · prequel · setup · backstory · context
Product of mass, velocity
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- intensificationIncrease in degree
- accumulationCollected mass over time
- crescendoGradual increase in loudness
surge · heightening · amplification · progression · ramp-up · acceleration · mounting · swell
Foundational preparation for something
- planningArranging for future events
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- organizationStructured group with purpose
arrangement · coordination · scheduling · logistics · strategy · readiness · setup · briefing
prelude
Introductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- prefaceIntroductory book section
foreword · overture · opener · precursor · preliminary · prequel · setup · backstory · context · background
momentum
Product of mass, velocity
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- intensificationIncrease in degree
- accumulationCollected mass over time
crescendo · surge · heightening · amplification · progression · ramp-up · acceleration · mounting · swell · increase
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- planningArranging for future events
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
organization · arrangement · coordination · scheduling · logistics · strategy · readiness · setup · briefing · priming
- holiday prepadvent, gifts, decorating, shopping, countdown
- buildupbuildup, accumulation, accretion, pileup, pile
lead-upaftermath
Results following an event
follow-up · consequence · fallout · denouement · sequel
lead-upmain event
Featured performance or contest
climax · culmination · crux · centerpiece · main attraction
lead, leader, leading, led, uplift, leadership, mislead, leads, misleading