second-to-last
Before the end
Second-to-last means immediately before the final item in a sequence—the one with only one thing after it.
The second-to-last chapter reveals the killer's identity.
Also called penultimate, though second-to-last is more conversational: We caught the second-to-last train home.
Coming before in order
- previousOccurring before another
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- semifinalSecond-to-last tournament stage
- preliminaryBefore the main part
lead-up · anterior · antecedent · prior · foregoing
Last portion before completion
- approachingComing toward something
- nearingGetting progressively closer
- wind-downGradual transition to rest
- endgameConcluding phase of competition
brink · threshold · imminent · impending · countdown · wrapping-up
Point of greatest intensity
preceding
Coming before in order
- previousOccurring before another
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- semifinalSecond-to-last tournament stage
preliminary · lead-up · anterior · antecedent · prior · foregoing
homestretch
Last portion before completion
- approachingComing toward something
- nearingGetting progressively closer
- wind-downGradual transition to rest
endgame · brink · threshold · imminent · impending · countdown · wrapping-up
climax
Point of greatest intensity
semifinalist
Last-four competitor remaining
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- playoffContest deciding advancement
- qualifierWord or phrase limiting meaning
contender · challenger · wild-card · seeding · bracket