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
Relevance
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
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
The depletion of the systems the GDP depends on is catching up with us and already eroding value.
—
Tenzin Seldon,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
For the millions of women approaching or living through hormonal change, her admission lands at a moment when the science around creatine and women’s health is finally catching up to the marketing.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 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
Why Hobby-Maxxing Matters for Mental and Physical Health The science is catching up to the trend.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
The state has 296 existing sites, quickly catching up to Virginia, the country’s data-center hub.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
So while Geely’s breakthrough screams potential, the supporting cast – grid capacity, charger density, and standardization – is still catching up.
—
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2026
Despite delays in previous weeks, its haulers are catching up, said Andy Wontor, a county spokesperson said.
—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Tenzin Seldon,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
For the millions of women approaching or living through hormonal change, her admission lands at a moment when the science around creatine and women’s health is finally catching up to the marketing.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 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
Why Hobby-Maxxing Matters for Mental and Physical Health The science is catching up to the trend.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
The state has 296 existing sites, quickly catching up to Virginia, the country’s data-center hub.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
So while Geely’s breakthrough screams potential, the supporting cast – grid capacity, charger density, and standardization – is still catching up.
—
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2026
Despite delays in previous weeks, its haulers are catching up, said Andy Wontor, a county spokesperson said.
—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching up
Verb
-
Huge parts Europe have been suffocating under a stubborn heat dome parked over the continent, trapping hot air and leading to extreme and dangerous heat and humidity.
-
Flights from Miami to Venezuela have been canceled after twin earthquakes rocked the country, collapsing buildings, and killing or trapping hundreds of people.
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.
-
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.
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.
-
His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.
Verb
-
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sent a letter Tuesday informing Anthropic co-founder Tom Brown of the decision, citing Anthropic’s close coordination and cooperation with government officials to address risks associated with its models.
-
On May 14, a day after students created a San José State University for Gaza encampment, university officials sent a letter to Kil informing her she had been placed on administrative leave.
Verb
-
Its rear zipper pocket is a great way to keep charging cords from tangling around other items.
-
Recently, researchers in Germany developed a chain-launching drone interceptor that disables UAVs by tangling their spinning rotors midair.
Verb
-
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.
-
That studio bosses of today don’t care about enchanting audiences.
Verb
-
Austria was well represented as well, with a supporter’s group occupying four sections in the north side of the stadium, who enjoyed watching two second-half goals scored right in front of them.
-
Lindholm, Jokiharju, and Korpisalo are occupying salary that would be better allocated for C and right D.
Verb
-
Direct prompt injection happens when a user types instructions that override a system prompt, the familiar pattern of telling a chatbot to ignore previous instructions.
-
That includes not even telling guests the full information about the wedding, with people invited reportedly instructed to arrive in New York, without being given details about when and where the wedding will be.
Cite this Entry
“Catching up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catching%20up. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
