1
as in trapping
to catch or hold as if in a net
a young idealist who got caught up in the political fanaticism of the times
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fascinating
to hold the attention of as if by a spell
completely caught up in opera ever since he saw La Traviata
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in interesting
to hold the attention of
so caught up in the game that she didn't note the passage of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in informing
to give information to
catch me up on what's been happening at the office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of catching up
Democratic New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill is narrowly in the lead in the New Jersey gubernatorial race but her Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli is catching up, according to a poll.
—
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
When Miami Metro’s Angel Batista (David Zayas) arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
The system is still catching up to the fact that preventative care is in fact necessary now.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025
Anthropic has some catching up to do, however.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Speaking of which, the big category shake-up this year is the introduction of best traditional country album, which is alternately being seen as a reaction to Beyoncé’s best country album victory last year or simply catching up to similar subdivisions in R&B and other genres.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
When that happens, catching up will be far harder—and far more expensive—than acting now.
—Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
When Miami Metro’s Angel Batista (David Zayas) arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
The system is still catching up to the fact that preventative care is in fact necessary now.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025
Anthropic has some catching up to do, however.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Speaking of which, the big category shake-up this year is the introduction of best traditional country album, which is alternately being seen as a reaction to Beyoncé’s best country album victory last year or simply catching up to similar subdivisions in R&B and other genres.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
When that happens, catching up will be far harder—and far more expensive—than acting now.
—Alex Brueckmann, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching up
Verb
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The name beaver moon comes from beavers setting up their lodges for winter during this time of year, and the history of trapping beavers for the North American fur trade during this season, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
20 Oct. 2025
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But agriculture, logging, invasive species, hunting and trapping, and climate change pose significant threats to birds worldwide.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Earlier this week, food benefit recipients received letters from the Department of Health Services informing them of FoodShare fund delays.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
24 Oct. 2025
-
When Hopkins received the call informing her of the university’s decision, she was stunned.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Suncast resin hose hideaway prevents cracking, tangling and freezing as temperatures drop.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
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But Pynchon is also funny, and the disorientation of his novels gives ways to discovery, and un-tangling, and the characters have goofy names that allude to their archetypal nature.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Then the picture begins to blur before coming back into clear focus to reveal Novak, still enchanting at 92, standing in a room filled with her paintings.—
Jeremy Helligar,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
New York has intriguing young outfielders in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer jones, but Bellinger was the team's second best player in the lineup this season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The lore of the position is passed between players like travelers telling tales at a campfire.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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There’s no telling how expensive the wardrobe budget is on the film, but this lookalike style is just $30 right now.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This particular aspect of the show frays the gripping tone that had been so masterfully crafted from its opening scene.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
-
It’s measured by gripping a handheld dynamometer.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The water of the deep lake is stratified, with a shallow layer of fresh rainwater occupying the upper 150 feet.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
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Isak was one of five Liverpool players tasked with occupying defenders across the opposition back five, while Ryan Gravenberch — constantly looking to receive the ball between United’s pressing centre-forwards, turning, and driving into midfield — was the main supplier.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catching up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catching%20up. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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