setpiece
Theatrical scenic element
A setpiece is a carefully planned and rehearsed element designed for maximum effect.
In sports, setpieces are plays executed from a stoppage—corner kicks, free kicks, or penalty shots: They scored twice from setpieces.
In film and theater, a setpiece is an elaborate scene or sequence showcasing production values.
In writing, it's a passage of heightened craft: The novel's setpiece is a twelve-page dinner party.
The word suggests something prepared rather than improvised, impressive but perhaps lacking spontaneity.
Prized display item
- showstopperSpectacular crowd-pleasing performance
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- tableauStriking pictorial arrangement
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
display · panorama · fireworks · grandeur · magnificence · ceremony · gala · parade
Point of greatest intensity
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- battleArmed military engagement
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
finale · resolution · turning point · crescendo · reveal · payoff · culmination · denouement
Arranged movements deliberately
- rehearsedPrepared by repetition
- stagedArranged for effect
- plannedDecided on beforehand
- coordinatedArranged to work together
scripted · blocking · timing · precision · synchronization · cue · sequence · routine
Meeting point of edges
- freekickUncontested restart after violation
- penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
- goalDesired end result
- headerTop line of document
cross · volley · bicycle kick · routine · play · formation · drill · execution
showpiece
Prized display item
- showstopperSpectacular crowd-pleasing performance
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- tableauStriking pictorial arrangement
pageantry · display · panorama · fireworks · grandeur · magnificence · ceremony · gala · parade · cavalcade
climax
Point of greatest intensity
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- battleArmed military engagement
standoff · finale · resolution · turning point · crescendo · reveal · payoff · culmination · denouement · twist
choreographed
Arranged movements deliberately
coordinated · scripted · blocking · timing · precision · synchronization · cue · sequence · routine · arrangement
corner
Meeting point of edges
header · cross · volley · bicycle kick · routine · play · formation · drill · execution · dead ball
maneuver
Deliberate tactical movement
encirclement · feint · counterattack · siege · formation · offensive · ambush · pincer · sortie · assault
scenery
Visible natural surroundings
props · lighting · staging · blocking · proscenium · wings · rigging · trapdoor · scrim · cyclorama
setpieceimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
improvised · ad-lib · spontaneous · off-the-cuff · extemporaneous
setpiecefree-form
Without predetermined structure
open play · freeflowing · unstructured · run of play · unchoreographed
piece, set, setting, pieces, asset, sets, setback, mindset, onset