as in finishing
to add to or continue (something) with something similar
She followed up her first book with a sequel.
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Recent Examples of following up
Owner’s past Whatever the reason for not following up on the tip, the failure to travel to Esparto to inspect Devastating Pyrotechnics operations allowed an extensive black market operation to continue without scrutiny.
—
Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
No arrest was made after following up on a lead, however, spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
With the world’s only quadruple axel, the 21-year-old Malinin is the overwhelming favorite to win the United States’ second consecutive men’s singles gold medal, following up on Nathan Chen, who won in 2022 but decided not to participate in this year’s Games.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Fears has had a breakout season in his third year at Michigan State, following up a bounce-back season.
—Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
The 6-foot-6 Gonzalez checked in for Garza and provided a spark, following up a Pritchard three with a tip-in that made it 112-108.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
However, authorities are following up on leads to make contact.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The main focus of the episode, of course, is following up on the Ken Tucker lead from Steven Droyco.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Fraudsters aren't above sending you a text — and later following up with a phone call to seem authentic, said John Haraburda, robocall data expert and director of product management for Transaction Network Services.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
No arrest was made after following up on a lead, however, spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
With the world’s only quadruple axel, the 21-year-old Malinin is the overwhelming favorite to win the United States’ second consecutive men’s singles gold medal, following up on Nathan Chen, who won in 2022 but decided not to participate in this year’s Games.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Fears has had a breakout season in his third year at Michigan State, following up a bounce-back season.
—Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
The 6-foot-6 Gonzalez checked in for Garza and provided a spark, following up a Pritchard three with a tip-in that made it 112-108.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
However, authorities are following up on leads to make contact.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The main focus of the episode, of course, is following up on the Ken Tucker lead from Steven Droyco.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Fraudsters aren't above sending you a text — and later following up with a phone call to seem authentic, said John Haraburda, robocall data expert and director of product management for Transaction Network Services.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following up
Verb
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Doncic missed his first five shots before finishing the period two for 10.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Adebayo set a new franchise record for the most points by a Heat player in a game, finishing Tuesday’s win with an eye-opening 83 points on 20-of-43 shooting from the field, 7-of-22 shooting on threes and 36-of-43 shooting from the foul line in 42 minutes.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Bennett faced eight batters total but saw his pitch count balloon to 41 before completing the second inning.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Summer annual weeds are true annuals, completing their life cycle in a single growing season.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kaplan has long focused on public safety, expanding amenities and making streets safer.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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The interesting twist on Miami’s case is their test balloon is being floated as the powers-that-be debate expanding the NCAA Tournament field.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And finally, having ample levels of magnesium can keep calcium from building up inside your muscles, which may ward off cramps and tension.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2026
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Benning's goals for the next year include continuing to work through deferred maintenance, building up city infrastructure, updating city ordinances, expanding housing opportunities and helping the city develop a new strategic plan, which is due for a refresh in 2026.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Scammers start out by buying shares of a cheap stock but then convince others to buy big, pumping up the stock's value so the scammers can then sell their shares for huge profits.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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War has always been a time for propaganda, of demonizing the enemy and pumping up your side.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One tiny root invades and expands over time, enlarging holes and allowing more roots to grow inside.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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The agency – while still enlarging its footprint across the country – may adopt more targeted, less public tactics going forward, according to reporting by CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Following up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following%20up. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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