countdown

noun

Definition of countdownnext
as in preliminary

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of countdown In the days since, a countdown has been featured on her website. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026 Swift set the internet ablaze Tuesday after a countdown appeared on her website. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 The countdown is on for the premiere of one of the longest-running reality shows. — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Sep. 2026 The countdown clock to the midterm elections continues to tick down, but the rest of the numbers affecting the economy continue to go up. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for countdown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countdown
  1. preliminary
  2. overture
  3. start
  4. prelude
Noun
  • This year’s Miss World competition recently made headlines during the preliminaries when Ugandan delegate Elle Muhoza made a powerful fashion statement.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of preliminary
Noun
  • The Saudi overtures come at a sensitive time for the kingdom.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The source added that the overture makes sense because Authentic has interest in entertainment properties, particularly those tailored to kids.
    — Maggie Roth, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of overture
Noun
  • Bell is off to a fantastic start but will need to finish strong.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2026
  • That said, only seven teams in the Super Bowl era have rebounded from an 0-3 start to make the playoffs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • Media Day — the spectacle where teams open their doors for interviews and photo shoots — for most teams is Monday, a prelude to the start of training camp practices on Tuesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • That has led to speculation that bringing Sycamore’s specialty retail businesses together is a prelude to a potential sale of the group to another private equity firm, retail company or through an IPO.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of prelude

Browse Nearby Words

countable
countdown
countdowns
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Cite this Entry

“Countdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countdown. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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