penultimates
Just before last
Penultimates is the plural of penultimate, referring to things that are second to last in a series.
The word comes from Latin *paene* (almost) and *ultimus* (last).
While penultimate typically functions as an adjective the penultimate chapter, the noun form appears when discussing multiple next-to-last items: The penultimates of each round advance to the finals.
Position before final
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- semifinalSecond-to-last tournament stage
- predecessorOne who came first
- next-to-lastImmediately preceding the final
Gradual increase in loudness
- lead-upPreliminary period or events
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- precursorSomething that comes first
- setupHow something is arranged
preparation · warm-up · preamble · forerunner · prologue · anticipation · foreshadowing · tension
About to occur
- impendingSoon to occur
- approachingComing toward something
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- forthcomingSoon to appear
second-to-last
Position before final
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- semifinalSecond-to-last tournament stage
- predecessorOne who came first
crescendo
Gradual increase in loudness
- lead-upPreliminary period or events
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- precursorSomething that comes first
setup · preparation · warm-up · preamble · forerunner · prologue · anticipation · foreshadowing · tension · momentum
imminent
About to occur
- impendingSoon to occur
- approachingComing toward something
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
forthcoming · proximate · adjacent · preceding · prior · countdown