follow-through

1 of 2

noun

fol·​low-through ˈfä-lō-ˌthrü 

ˌfä-lō-ˈthrü,

-lə-

1

: the part of the stroke following the striking of a ball

2

: the act or an instance of following through

follow through

2 of 2

verb

followed through; following through; follows through

intransitive verb

1

: to continue a stroke or motion to the end of its arc

2

: to press on in an activity or process especially to a conclusion

Synonyms

Verb

• fulfil
• fulfill
• perform
• accomplish
• execute
• achieve
• go through
• do
• put through
• carry out
• make
• implement
• carry off

Examples of follow-through in a Sentence

Verb

you said you would put all of the files in order, but you didn't follow through with it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These declines reflect the consequences of weak follow-through, lack of vision, or resistance to innovation. —Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

People kept promising support, but the follow-through wasn’t there. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 17 June 2025

Verb

Trump may not follow through on all his threats: some may be blocked by the courts or by domestic political opposition, and other leaders may not immediately mimic him. —Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

Dolly does Vegas has a joyful ring to it and the country superstar is poised to follow through. will return to the Las Vegas Strip for her first extended run in 32 years with six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for follow-through

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

follow through

verb

1

: to complete a stroke or swing

2

: to continue in an activity or process especially to a conclusion

follow through with a study

follow-through

ˈfäl-ō-ˌthrü

ˌfäl-ō-ˈthrü

-ə-

noun