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 of follow-through

Verb

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

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

For Sacramento families and adults, the strongest option is one that pairs clarity with follow-through. —Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Skylar can also read internal materials, analyze communication history, conduct online research, consolidate findings, continue conversations, and organize follow-through across teams. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

If Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, wins Sunday, he will be expected to follow through on his promises to restore the independence of education and other institutions. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026

This newsroom-wide project brings fast facts as stories unfold — making sure our local officials and institutions are telling the truth, serving our communities well and following through on their promises. —Ben Wheeler april 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026

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