| Main Entry: | countdown |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | final preparation |
Synonyms: |
launch procedure |
| Main Entry: | commencement |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | ceremony marking the beginning of stage |
Synonyms: |
admission, alpha, birth, bow, celebration, convocation, countdown, curtain-raiser, dawn, dawning, genesis, graduation, initiation, kickoff, onset, opener, opening, outset, proem, services, start, starting point, tee off |
Antonyms: |
cessation, completion, end, ending, finish, stop |
| Main Entry: | start |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | beginning |
Synonyms: |
alpha*, birth, bow, commencement, countdown, dawn, dawning, day one, derivation, embarkation, exit, first step, flying start, foundation, inauguration, inception, initiation, jump-off, kickoff, leaving, onset, opening, origin, outset, running start, setting out, source, spring, square one, start-off, takeoff |
Antonyms: |
completion, conclusion, death, end, ending, finish, stop |
| Main Entry: | test |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | examination, quiz |
Synonyms: |
analysis, approval, assessment, attempt, blue book, catechism, check, comp, confirmation, corroboration, countdown, criterion, dry run, elimination, essay, evaluation, exam, experiment, final, fling*, go*, inquest, inquiry, inspection, investigation, lick*, oral, ordeal, pop quiz, preliminary, probation, probing, proof, questionnaire, scrutiny, search, shibboleth, standard, substantiation, touchstone, trial, trial and error, trial run, try, tryout, verification, yardstick |
| Main Entry: | zero hour |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | moment of truth |
Synonyms: |
A-day, D-day, D-day, H-hour, appointed hour, appointed hour, climax, contingency, countdown, crisis, crisis point, crossroad, crossroads, crunch time, deadline, emergency, exigency, jumping-off point, juncture, moment of truth, pinch, pivotal moment, start time, strait, target, target day, the time, turning point, turning point*, vital moment |
| Main Entry: | curtain raiser |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | short preliminary event |
Synonyms: |
countdown, curtain lifter, curtain warmer, inaugural, kickoff, lead-in, opener, opening gun, opening shot, preliminary, preview, run-up, walk-up, warm-up |