next-to-last
Just before last
Next-to-last means second from the end, immediately before the final item in a sequence: the next-to-last chapter, She finished in next-to-last place.
The term is more common in American English; British speakers often prefer penultimate.
position
Second from the end
- semifinalSecond-to-last tournament stage
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- precedingComing before in order
- antepenultimateThird from the end
sequence
Coming before in order
- previousOccurring before another
- priorExisting before another
- antecedentSomething that precedes
- foregoingPreviously mentioned or stated
earlier · before · lead-up · preliminary · penult
countdown
Final stage of something
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
- culminatingReaching the highest point
penultimate
Second from the end
preceding
Coming before in order
- previousOccurring before another
- priorExisting before another
- antecedentSomething that precedes
foregoing · earlier · before · lead-up · preliminary · penult
closing
Final stage of something
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
- culminatingReaching the highest point