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
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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
Maybe being a mom means, in part, always being behind, never quite catching up.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Pauley finished her senior year, sometimes cutting out of class early to help out at home and catching up with notes from classmates.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Even later in their careers, student loan holders aren't catching up.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
This distinction is important, and the market is still in the process of catching up.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
But the compensation models are still catching up.
—John Acunto, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The federal government is gradually catching up on economic reports that were postponed by the shutdown.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Sports as a kid catching up with me.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Uber will have some catching up to do in San Francisco, the city where it’s based.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Pauley finished her senior year, sometimes cutting out of class early to help out at home and catching up with notes from classmates.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Even later in their careers, student loan holders aren't catching up.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
This distinction is important, and the market is still in the process of catching up.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
But the compensation models are still catching up.
—John Acunto, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The federal government is gradually catching up on economic reports that were postponed by the shutdown.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Sports as a kid catching up with me.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Uber will have some catching up to do in San Francisco, the city where it’s based.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching up
Verb
-
Pick high-pile or plush bath mats to maximize the warmth-trapping properties and opt for moisture-absorbing, quick-drying materials like microfiber in this high-humidity, water-splashing space.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But scientists, including Beckmann, argue that using casualties from the road can be a more ethical alternative to trapping wild animals or euthanizing them to sample tissues.—
Emma Gometz,
Scientific American,
26 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
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Blair is at the center of a lawsuit involving allegations that Virginia school officials made decisions about Blair's well-being and gender identity without informing the then-14-year-old's parents.—
Ayana Archie,
NPR,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Late last night, New Yorkers received an emergency alert last night, informing them that there’s a driving ban.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Forecasters warned that the storm's wind gusts could top 70 mph, uprooting trees and tangling power lines.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Using a cooling rack over water to propagate houseplants can help prevent root rot and tangling.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This enchanting 500-year-old Grade II cottage is set in 12 acres of mature gardens and land – including paddocks, a kitchen garden, and access with frontage on the River Arun (including fishing rights), ideal for kayaking and other water pursuits.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
20 Feb. 2026
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Tucked at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe’s remarkable high desert landscapes and enchanting golden light feel almost otherworldly.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The likes of Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi are intriguing new options, but none offer the combination of experience, tactical flexibility and past silverware than Tuchel, a manager who brings solidity in and out of possession.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Investigation exposes a decade of abuse The investigation into Joachim began after the victim, age 14, came forward after telling her sister-in-law about the abuse, the DA's office said in a news release.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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In court Monday, the boy’s oldest brother, now 19, once again spoke, telling the judge he is haunted by guilt.—
Dan Sullivan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Iran’s decision to expands its attacks to major regional oil infrastructure adds a new element to the war gripping the Middle East, directly targeting the lifeblood of the area’s economy.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Alongside more standard dramatic fare like Chloé Zhao’s weepy Shakespeare film Hamnet and the quietly powerful adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella Train Dreams, the list also includes Paul Thomas Anderson’s gripping political thriller One Battle After Another.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catching up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catching%20up. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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