CATCHING UP Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

catching up

verb

present participle of catch up

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

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

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

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

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 catching up What has changed is that the rest of the American market is finally catching up. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Adoption is widespread, but the operational foundations needed to manage it are still catching up. — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Here’s the news worth catching up on for Thursday, July 16, 2026. — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 16 July 2026 With this premise, Brandl brews a heady, destabilizing concoction of uncanny horror and bone-dry humor to depict a man on the brink, whose demons—whether real or imagined—just might be catching up with him. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 What looks like a relationship falling apart is often reality catching up to something that was underdeveloped from the start. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 July 2026 That raised fears that AI processing supply may be catching up to demand. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Unfortunately, their romance is challenged by one of Dean’s best friends dying unexpectedly, and his difficult past with an ex-girlfriend catching up with him. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 May 2026 Two staffers next to me whispered to each other, catching up about their week off. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching up

Verb

Authorities kept the affluent, forested Cap Ferret peninsula mostly empty because a nearby hot spot could flare again, threatening its limited road access and trapping residents and tourists.

— Thomas Adamson, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Heat domes act like a lid on a pot, trapping and enhancing hot air beneath them.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of trapping

Verb

Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.

— Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025

Definition of fascinating

Verb

The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Definition of intriguing

Verb

Corporate officials reached out to Murrell later that day and apologized to her, informing her that the driver was no longer working for FedEx.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
Page’s character Sinon is the soldier tasked with informing the Trojans that the Trojan Horse is a gift from the Greeks, imploring them to drag the giant statue into the city with Odysseus, Menelaus (Jon Bernthal) and more soldiers inside.

— Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Definition of informing

Verb

The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.

— Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026

Definition of enchanting

Verb

After, walk over for a coffee at Silos & Social, a café occupying the ground floor of the century-old Latah County Grain Growers complex.

— Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
The local community told ABC that Port MacDonnell does not have its own search and rescue vessel, despite occupying around 125 miles of coastline.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Definition of occupying

Verb

Abernathy Greenway Park walk with Trees Atlanta Take a walk through the park with a Trees Atlanta docent, who will teach simple tricks for telling trees apart and share stories about why trees are important and how to protect them.

— Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
But that, according to the Florida Bar, did not absolve Gonzalez of his decision to dismiss the case in the first place without telling his client, a Miami resident.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026