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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching up

Verb

That region is the light-trapping outer boundary of the black hole known as the event horizon, which prevents us from ever seeing the singularity at the heart of the black hole or receiving information from it.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2026
The car then overturned and submerged, trapping Lewis inside.

— Andrea Klick, Oc Register, 16 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

Financing On Saturday, the NFL sent a memo to the other 31 teams informing their leadership about the deal.

— Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
Khalra’s investigation alleged that thousands of people who had disappeared were cremated anonymously by police without informing their families or maintaining official records.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 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

Beneath those practical debates, however, American lawyers have gradually come to understand themselves as occupying two roles simultaneously, as Robert Gordon described.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
For now, Neil the seal is occupying a stretch of sidewalk, unmoving and unbothered.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of occupying

Verb

Curator Nadine Hounkpatin, who organized the wider exhibition at Arles in which Phan’s images appear, has said that the body of work illustrates the kind of deeper truth-telling photography can do.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Anna Maria says the Church had put him up for adoption without telling her.

— Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 12 July 2026