penultimately

second-to-last

Position before final

• next-to-lastImmediately preceding the final
• antepenultimateThird from the end
• precedingComing before in order
• semifinalSecond-to-last tournament stage

preliminary · antecedent · runner-up · sequential · ordered · successive · progressively · serially

almost

Short of completely

• nearlyAlmost but incomplete
• approachingComing toward something
• vergingApproaching a boundary
• nighClose in proximity

practically · virtually · well-nigh · just about · not quite · close to · bordering on · on the verge

expectantly

In an awaiting manner

• imminentlyAbout to occur
• countdownBackward enumeration to zero
• buildupGradual accumulation over time
• foreshadowingHinting at later events

suspensefully · leadup · brink · precipice · threshold · eve

crescendo

Gradual increase in loudness

• buildingEnclosed roofed structure
• setupHow something is arranged
• denouementStory's final unraveling
• resolutionFormal decision or determination

tension