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 Nesta has defended the staffing budget as a matter of catching up on the city’s needs after leaving positions vacant for too long and shifting those responsibilities to existing employees. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 The data appear to show Miller’s troubles catching up to him. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching up

Verb

London — Eighteen people were injured, including two seriously, after a passenger train derailed in southern England on Thursday, trapping passengers inside carriages that had toppled onto their sides.

— Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
The tree crashed through a back bedroom of the home, trapping the child, Low said.

— Michelle Simmons, ABC News, 12 Aug. 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 female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of intriguing

Verb

His wife later reportedly received a letter from World Vision informing her that his donation helped restore the vision of two people.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Manson’s death was met with strong reactions from the family members of his victims, who were contacted by prison officials informing them of the mass murderer’s passing.

— Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of informing

Verb

Specialized compartments for rings, statement necklaces, and dainty earrings keep each piece accessible, plus the soft material prevents tangling and damage.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
If your duvet cover has buttons or zippers, Ceconi recommends fastening the closures before laundering to prevent tangling.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

Definition of tangling

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

Summary British handbag brand DeMellier London is thriving by occupying the space left by soaring luxury prices.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
For now, at least, the evidence suggests the auction houses aren’t riding out luxury’s downturn so much as occupying a different, and currently much healthier, part of the market.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of occupying

Verb

Florian Maurice, the former Rennes technical director, is telling a story about Jeremy Jacquet and how the Frenchman was destined for the top.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Or, at least, for the first time since the start of the war, some analysts on Wall Street might at least be willing to consider that the administration may be telling the truth about the state of the oil market.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026