countdown Synonyms

days leading up to curtain lifter pop quiz curtain raiser innumerate lead-in first step walk-up kickoff preview run up D-Day opening shot curtain warmer counting of numbers backwards count numbers backwards clock running down act of counting backwards starting countdown act of counting final preparation counting in reverse launch procedure curtain raisers opening gun trial test start experiment evaluation essay count counting commencement celebration birth beginning attempt assessment exponential genesis standard quiz prelude preliminary preamble overture opener opening lick