lead up
Events before culmination
Lead up functions as both verb and noun.
To lead up to something is to precede and prepare for it: The weeks leading up to the wedding were hectic.
Events lead up to a climax; conversations lead up to a point.
As a noun, the lead-up is the period or sequence of events preceding something significant: In the lead-up to the election, polls tightened considerably.
Gradual accumulation over time
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
preparation · prelude · approach · tension · eagerness · anxiety · trepidation · apprehension
Gradual accumulation over time
- increaseGrowth in amount
- intensificationIncrease in degree
- accumulationCollected mass over time
- progressionSequential forward movement
mounting · heightening · surge · amplification · snowballing · ramping · acceleration · rising
Introductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- prefaceIntroductory book section
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
opener · beginning · precursor · forerunner · predecessor · curtain-raiser · preliminaries · opening
Foundational preparation for something
- planningArranging for future events
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
arrangement · coordination · foundation · setup · briefing · strategy · logistics · scheduling
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
excitement · preparation · prelude · approach · tension · eagerness · anxiety · trepidation · apprehension · foreboding
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- increaseGrowth in amount
- intensificationIncrease in degree
- accumulationCollected mass over time
progression · mounting · heightening · surge · amplification · snowballing · ramping · acceleration · rising · growth
prelude
Introductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- prefaceIntroductory book section
overture · opener · beginning · precursor · forerunner · predecessor · curtain-raiser · preliminaries · opening · threshold
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- planningArranging for future events
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
practice · arrangement · coordination · foundation · setup · briefing · strategy · logistics · scheduling · organizing
- contra dancecontra dance, country dance, longways, caller, figure
- Folk Dancingdo-si-do, dosido, dosado, promenade, allemande
lead upaftermath
Results following an event
follow-up · fallout · sequel · consequence · denouement
lead upmain event
Featured performance or contest
climax · culmination · crux · centerpiece · headline
up, lead, leader, leading, led, leadership, mislead, leads, misleading