RUN-UP Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

run-up

noun

Definition of run-up

as in countdown

Related Words

Relevance

as in spike

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 run-up But their 20-3 loss to the Seahawks (4-3) was so thorough, unsightly and disillusioning as to render the 5-0 run-up to it entirely suspect — especially considering the Chiefs’ thorny schedule ahead. — Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department has historically avoided overt investigative actions involving candidates in the immediate run-up to an election. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 The national debt recently hit $40 trillion, a psychological milestone that has caused a run-up in bond yields. — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026 Adams, 33, who led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches last season, said that’s the idea – continuing to build a connection with Stafford, who missed most of last year’s preseason run-up nursing a back issue. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for run-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for run-up

Noun

The countdown to Black Friday is on, and the first discounts are starting to appear.

— Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
What began as a religious countdown to Christmas in the 19th century has since become a holiday shopping staple.

— Sophie Dunne, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of countdown

Noun

While subway surfing, track intrusions, and train break-ins remain a persistent problem for the MTA and NYPD, lethal incidents have lulled since a surfing spike in 2024.

— Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026
Gerstein has previously developed and created multiple shows including Hart of Dixie, which ran for four seasons on The CW and is currently experiencing a major spike in new viewers on Pluto.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of spike

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

Adebayo scored four of his baskets during that stretch on jump shots, then hit two more jumpers late, giving him 18 points in the quarter.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2026
The show was seen as a strong contender for a series pickup from the jump, and was one of four new series the broadcaster ordered for the 2026-2027 season.

— Joe Otterson, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of jump

Noun

The latest example of congressional scrutiny comes as Commerce reportedly resists other agencies’ overtures to add Megaspeed to its trade blacklist.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Here is a document that shows the evolution and creation of the auction scene, the rising of the chandelier during the overture and the gala scene, which have become iconic scenes in theatrical history.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of overture

Noun

They are showcased in a campaign that goes on a cinematic journey throughout a magical winter wonderland — a continuation of the snowy paradise world that was first introduced by Rado in 2024.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026
Ever since Daniel Craig hung up his tux in 2021, there’s been much soul-searching about the continuation of the Bond franchise.

— Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of continuation

Noun

That counterinsurgency campaign was a prelude to the state terror unleashed under the 1976-1983 military dictatorship, in which human rights groups estimate that around 30,000 people were killed or disappeared.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Saturday Night Live host, actor and comedian Druski starred in a sketch that imagined a prelude to You Can See Everything, the metadocumentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.

— William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of prelude

Noun

Some of the $640 million in subscription and licensing revenue upturn was driven by sublicensing of World Cup rights in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Improving short-term momentum and a pending oversold upturn in the SPDR S & P Retail ETF (XRT) support a short-term relief rally within the long-term uptrend.

— , CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of upturn

Browse Nearby Words

runty

run-up

run upon

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Run-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/run-up. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of run-up

noun

Example Sentences

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