catch up

Definition of catch upnext
1
as in to trap
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 to fascinate
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
4

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 catch up As his profile has skyrocketed and his career arc has suddenly shifted from burgeoning talent to the guy, the external expectations have only caught up to his own. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 1 May 2026 The gang is back together for the first time since a March trip to New York to promote their reboot of the Bravo classic, and there is lots of catching up to do over high tea. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 May 2026 You get caught up into who these people are. Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Opinion Editor Scott McIntosh caught up with some Idaho farmers to learn how the water shortage, along with low commodity prices and rising fertilizer and fuel prices, are affecting Idaho. Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch up
Verb
  • During the winter months, the natural offshore winds blow emissions out to sea rather than trapping them over our cities, making the expensive California blend an unnecessary burden on drivers.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Scientists have found a way to make a new class of gas-trapping glass easier to manufacture by borrowing a centuries-old principle from traditional glassmaking.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Precious artifacts have been recently unearthed from the site that fascinates scholars worldwide.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 1 May 2026
  • We were fascinated by a broader trend — covered locally by the Chicago Sun-Times and nationally by outlets including CNBC and The New York Times — of people turning the humble 1040 into a form of civil disobedience.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The fact that both CBS News and CNN will be under the new corporate roof, however, makes the involvement of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf interests a sensitive point.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
  • There’s something easy about sweet that doesn’t interest me.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, said Kyiv had informed Israeli authorities about the vessels in advance.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Luckily, the hunters brought the deer to a butcher who then informed EnCon police.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Shortly before the break, Hawks guard Dyson Daniels got tangled up with Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, which led to a fight after which both were ejected.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • As Anunoby shot his free throw, Robinson and Daniels got tangled up while jockeying for position.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • That studio bosses of today don’t care about enchanting audiences.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Today, with its colorful roofs, Gothic abbey, square, and marketplace, Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye continues to enchant and charm travelers with its medieval atmosphere.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nonetheless, Israel has continued to strike deep within Lebanon, and its army occupies much of the country’s south.
    Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
  • More commonly, prescribed burning is halted because Forest Service staff are occupied fighting wildfires.
    Lauren Sommer, NPR, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The warning applies to residents of 11 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, according to Reuters, telling them to evacuate their homes and move at least 3,300 feet away to open areas.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 May 2026
  • Mountaga Tall’s home in the capital, Bamako, was stormed shortly before midnight Saturday, his relative Mahmoud Touré told AP.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catch up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch%20up. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on catch up

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster